UN Report Details JeM's Involvement in Red Fort Attack and Formation of Women’s Wing
A United Nations counter-terrorism report has connected the Pakistan-based terrorist group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) to a lethal attack near Delhi's iconic Red Fort. The report also raises concerns regarding the group's evolving organizational strategies, including the establishment of a women-exclusive wing to aid terrorist activities.
The Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team, in its latest evaluation to the United Nations Security Council, indicated that one Member State reported JeM's claim of responsibility for a sequence of attacks, including the assault near the Red Fort on November 9, which resulted in 15 fatalities. The Red Fort, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a significant symbol of Indian sovereignty, making the association with the attack particularly noteworthy.
Concern Over New Women-Only Wing
The UN report highlighted that on October 8, JeM leader Masood Azhar declared the inception of a women-only wing titled Jamaat ul-Muminat. According to the Monitoring Team, this unit is purposed to back terrorist operations, indicating a shift in recruitment and facilitation methods.
Experts referenced in the report caution that this action reflects patterns observed in other extremist organizations, where women are increasingly employed in support roles to broaden logistics networks, fundraising, and recruitment, while also attempting to avoid security detection.
Persistent Threat Despite Sanctions
JeM is recognized by the United Nations as an entity associated with Al-Qaida and has a long-standing record of terror activities mainly targeting India, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir. Established in 2000, the group has been accused of several high-profile attacks on security forces and civilian targets. Masood Azhar is subjected to UN sanctions, including travel bans and asset freezes.
The Monitoring Team, however, noted discrepancies among Member States in evaluating JeM's current operational condition. While some nations continue to identify the group as active and dangerous, another Member State suggested the organization is no longer functional, highlighting enduring gaps in global intelligence cooperation and enforcement.
Wider Regional Security Implications
The report places JeM's activities within a larger and shifting terrorist threat context across Central and South Asia, where militant groups utilize regional instability and cross-border networks. Despite ongoing counter-terrorism efforts, the UN cautioned that groups like JeM persist in adapting through organizational changes and impactful symbolic attacks.
Additionally, the report noted that three individuals purportedly involved in a separate attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, were killed in July, illustrating ongoing security operations against militant networks.
Overall, the UN findings emphasize lasting concerns that even weakened or fragmented terror groups possess the capability to reorganize, innovate, and target prominent sites, continuing to pose threats to regional and global security.
