The Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has arrested four Sri Lankan nationals suspected of being ISIS terrorists at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad.
In a brief statement, the ATS confirmed that the four accused were Sri Lankan citizens and affiliated with the Islamic State (ISIS). Local media reported that these individuals had traveled to Ahmedabad via Chennai from Sri Lanka and were allegedly in contact with Pakistani handlers.
The Gujarat ATS has taken the suspects to an undisclosed location for intensive questioning, though the exact motive behind their presence at the Ahmedabad airport remains unclear.
Heightened Security Measures
Security has been increased across the airport, especially significant as three IPL teams were scheduled to arrive at the Ahmedabad airport for upcoming qualifier and eliminator games.
Previous ISIS-Related Arrests
The recent arrests come in the wake of other significant captures of ISIS operatives in India:
- March 2024: Two top ISIS leaders in India, Harish Ajmal Farooqi and Anurag Singh, were arrested near the international border after crossing from Bangladesh. They were involved in recruitment, terror funding, and planning terror acts using IEDs.
- October 2023: Shahnawaz alias Shafi Uzzama, a suspected ISIS terrorist, was arrested by Delhi Police. He was wanted in the Pune ISIS module case, and the NIA had placed a reward of ₹3 lakh for his capture.
These developments underscore ongoing efforts by Indian security agencies to thwart ISIS-related activities within the country.
