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AQIS Expands Digital Recruitment While Rebuilding Afghan Bases
AQIS is a terrorist group that officials say is trying to become stronger again.
It is reportedly rebuilding training locations in Afghanistan.
These locations may teach weapons, explosives, drones, artificial intelligence and encryption.
The group is also using the internet to spread extremist messages in India.
Officials say it is trying to recruit young people in several Indian states.
Uttar Pradesh is described as its main focus.
Police recently arrested a teenager accused of sharing AQIS material and contacting young people.
AQIS and Islamic State Khorasan Province are rival groups, and officials fear their competition could increase danger in the region.
Indian authorities are monitoring these activities because they could create new security threats.
AQIS is reportedly rebuilding training bases in Afghanistan and expanding recruitment and radicalisation efforts in India.
Officials say eight bases built over the past three years provide training in weapons, explosives, artificial intelligence, drones and encryption.
The group is targeting youth in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Kerala, with a particular focus on Uttar Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir.
The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad arrested 19-year-old Mohammad Nabil in Azamgarh over alleged AQIS propaganda and recruitment activity.
Security officials warn that AQIS could intensify regional competition with Islamic State Khorasan Province and strengthen links with Pakistan-backed groups.
- Who
- Al-Qaeda in the Sub-Continent (AQIS), Indian security agencies, and rival militant groups including Islamic State Khorasan Province.
- What
- AQIS is reportedly rebuilding operational capabilities in Afghanistan while expanding digital recruitment, radicalisation and propaganda efforts in India.
- Where
- The reported activity involves Afghanistan and India, especially Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Kerala, Jammu and Kashmir, and Azamgarh.
- When
- The rebuilding is reported to have occurred over the last three years; the Uttar Pradesh arrest took place last week, according to the article.
- Why
- Officials say AQIS wants to restore its influence, build an operational base, recruit youth, spread disinformation and promote armed jihad against the Indian state.
Key facts
- Organization
- Al-Qaeda in the Sub-Continent (AQIS)
- Reported Afghan bases
- Eight bases were reportedly built over the last three years.
- Reported training
- Weapons, explosives, artificial intelligence, drone operations and encryption.
- Indian focus areas
- Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Kerala, and Jammu and Kashmir.
- Recent arrest
- The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad arrested 19-year-old Mohammad Nabil in Azamgarh.
- Digital activity
- Officials describe efforts involving recruitment, radicalisation, disinformation and calls for jihad.
- Regional rival
- Islamic State Khorasan Province is described as an Al-Qaeda rival that has also increased operations.
Sources
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