UNSC panel notes Pak-based terror group JeM’s reported link to Red Fort attack
The 37th Report of the UN Security Council's Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team (published February 4, 2026) has noted that Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) was reportedly linked to the Red Fort attack in New Delhi on November 10, 2025, which killed 15 people and injured over 20.
The report also noted that JeM leader Masood Azhar announced the establishment of a women-only wing called Jamaat ul-Muminat on October 8, aimed at supporting terrorist operations.
The monitoring team flagged that three individuals allegedly involved in the Pahalgam attack in Jammu & Kashmir were killed on July 28, 2025.
The report noted differing assessments among UN member states regarding JeM's operational status, with some countries flagging the group as active and dangerous while another member state claimed the organisation is defunct.
India's Ministry of External Affairs stated that India's inputs on Pakistan-based terrorism were reflected in the report.
UNSC Sanctions Monitoring and Counter-Terrorism Architecture
The UN Security Council maintains several sanctions committees to counter terrorism, with the 1267/1989/2253 Committee (also called the ISIL/Al-Qaeda/Taliban Sanctions Committee) overseeing designations of terrorist entities and individuals. The Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team provides independent assessments to this committee through periodic reports.
Key Details
- The Monitoring Team was established under UNSC Resolution 1526 (2004) and submits biannual reports.
- JeM was listed under UNSC Resolution 1267 in October 2001 following the 9/11 attacks and the December 2001 Indian Parliament attack.
- JeM's leader Masood Azhar was individually designated by the UNSC 1267 Committee in May 2019, after prolonged Chinese holds on India's proposals.
- The Monitoring Team assesses compliance with sanctions, including asset freezes, travel bans, and arms embargoes.
The explicit mention of JeM's link to the Red Fort attack in an official UNSC monitoring report reinforces India's position that Pakistan-based terrorist infrastructure remains active, potentially building pressure for stronger enforcement of existing sanctions.
Cross-Border Terrorism and India's Security Challenges
India has faced persistent threats from Pakistan-based terrorist groups, including JeM, Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), and Hizbul Mujahideen. Major attacks attributed to these groups include the 2001 Parliament attack, the 2008 Mumbai attacks (26/11), the 2016 Pathankot and Uri attacks, and the 2019 Pulwama attack.
Key Details
- JeM was founded in 2000 by Masood Azhar after his release from Indian prison in exchange for hostages during the IC-814 hijacking (1999).
- The November 2025 Red Fort attack involved a car bomb driven by Dr Umar Nabi, linked to a JeM-connected "Doctor Module" operating through Al-Falah University in Faridabad.
- The terror cell was linked to both JeM and Ansar Ghazwat-ul Hind (AGuH), a regional al-Qaeda affiliate.
- The investigation revealed a radicalisation network targeting educated professionals, including doctors and teachers.
- India has consistently demanded that Pakistan dismantle terrorist infrastructure on its soil, while Pakistan has disputed the allegations.
The UN report's acknowledgment of JeM's link to the Red Fort attack provides India with significant international validation of its counter-terrorism concerns and strengthens its case for holding state sponsors of terrorism accountable.
Urban Terrorism and Evolving Threat Landscape
The Red Fort attack represents a shift in the operational pattern of Pakistan-linked terrorism in India, moving from border areas and conflict zones to the heart of the national capital. The involvement of educated professionals marks a departure from the traditional recruit profile, suggesting sophisticated radicalisation networks.
Key Details
- The explosive-laden car was parked near the Red Fort for over three hours before detonation at 6:52 PM on November 10, 2025.
- Approximately 2,900 kg of explosive material was recovered from a linked terror module in Faridabad.
- The cell was recruited and radicalised by Maulavi Irfan Ahmed, a cleric from Shopian, Kashmir, tasked with recruiting educated youth into the JeM network.
- The attack prompted a review of urban counter-terrorism protocols and intelligence-gathering mechanisms across Indian cities.
The UNSC report's documentation of JeM's evolving operational capabilities, including the women's wing and urban attack cells, underscores the need for India to continuously adapt its counter-terrorism framework to address emerging threat vectors.
- Red Fort attack: November 10, 2025; 15 killed, 20+ injured.
- The UNSC Monitoring Team report is the 37th such report, published February 4, 2026.
- JeM was designated under UNSC Resolution 1267 in October 2001.
- Masood Azhar was individually designated by the UNSC in May 2019 after China lifted its hold.
- JeM announced a women's wing (Jamaat ul-Muminat) on October 8, 2025.
- 2,900 kg of explosives were recovered from the linked Faridabad module.
- JeM was founded in 2000 after the IC-814 hijacking led to Masood Azhar's release from Indian custody.