Archive · 21 Jul 2026
Al Qaeda and ISIS Collaborate to Radicalize Youth in South India
Al Qaeda and the Islamic State, who are usually rivals, are now working together to radicalize young people in South India.
They are targeting states like Karnataka, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and parts of Maharashtra.
Both groups have similar goals and believe that working together will help them reach more people.
They are using the internet to spread their ideas.
The Indian government has noticed this and is investigating.
A recent case involved someone named Rehmatullah Sharif, who had materials from both groups.
The ban on another group called the Popular Front of India (PFI) has given Al Qaeda and ISIS a chance to grow in South India.
Another group, Al-Badr, is also trying to come back and is working with other groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed.
Al Qaeda and ISIS are collaborating to radicalize youth in South India.
They target Karnataka, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and parts of Maharashtra.
Both groups share the goal of establishing an Islamic State.
The ban on the Popular Front of India (PFI) has created an opportunity for these groups.
Al-Badr is attempting a comeback in South India, aligning with other groups.
- Who
- Al Qaeda and Islamic State operatives
- What
- Collaboration to radicalize youth in South India
- When
- Since 2015, with increased coordination recently
- Where
- Karnataka, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and parts of Maharashtra
- Why
- To establish an Islamic State and expand their influence
Al Qaeda
Islamic State
Cooperation in Radicalization
Al Qaeda
Al Qaeda and ISIS are cooperating to radicalize youth in South India, despite being traditional rivals.
Islamic State
Both groups share the common goal of establishing an Islamic State, leading to their cooperation.
- Regions Targeted
- Karnataka, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and parts of Maharashtra
- Investigating Agencies
- National Investigation Agency (NIA), Andhra Pradesh Police, Intelligence Bureau
- Recent Case
- Rehmatullah Sharif was arrested with material related to both ISIS and Al Qaeda
- Ban on PFI
- The ban on the Popular Front of India (PFI) created a vacuum that both groups are trying to fill
- Al-Badr
- Al-Badr is attempting a comeback in South India, aligning with groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed