UN Report Links Jaish-e-Mohammed to Red Fort Attack, Flags New Women’s Terror Wing

A recent United Nations Security Council (UNSC) monitoring report has directly linked Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) to the deadly attack near Delhi’s Red Fort, strengthening international concerns over the group’s continued involvement in terrorism targeting India. The findings challenge long-standing claims that JeM has been dismantled and underscore the persistent threat posed by Pakistan-based extremist networks.

The biannual report by the UNSC’s Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team stated that one UN member country informed the committee that JeM had claimed responsibility for several terror incidents, including the Red Fort attack. The assault, which killed 15 people, was described as a high-impact symbolic strike, targeting a site of national importance and highlighting the group’s intent to carry out mass-casualty attacks with political and psychological consequences.

The report said JeM was “reported to be linked to an attack on the Red Fort in New Delhi on 9 November that killed 15 people”. (Sanjeev Verma/HT Photo) | Hindustan Times

Evidence of Continued JeM Activity

The UN findings directly contradict assertions that JeM is no longer operational. While one member state described the group as “defunct,” the report’s reference to its role in the Red Fort attack points to ongoing operational capacity, leadership activity, and recruitment efforts. Indian security agencies have consistently maintained that JeM continues to function through covert networks, front organisations, and cross-border support systems.

Investigations by Indian authorities have also pointed to the use of sophisticated logistics and communication channels in the Red Fort case, suggesting coordination beyond local operatives. These developments reinforce concerns that JeM remains capable of planning and executing complex attacks despite international sanctions and domestic bans.

Formation of a Women-Only Wing Raises New Concerns

One of the most troubling aspects of the UNSC report is the confirmation that JeM chief and UN-designated terrorist Masood Azhar has formally announced the creation of a women-only wing, named Jamaat ul-Muminat. The monitoring team stated that this wing is intended to support terrorist operations, signaling a strategic shift in the group’s recruitment and organisational structure.

Security experts have warned that the use of women in extremist networks can help terror groups evade detection and expand their ideological footprint. Women may be used for recruitment, logistics, intelligence gathering, fundraising, and radicalisation activities. This development mirrors tactics adopted by other global extremist organisations and represents an evolving threat that complicates counter-terrorism efforts.

Regional Terror Environment and Technology Use

The UNSC report also placed JeM’s activities within a broader regional context marked by increasing militant activity. The monitoring team highlighted concerns over terrorist groups operating in and around Afghanistan and Pakistan, noting that several outfits continue to benefit from permissive environments that allow them to regroup, train, and plan operations.

In addition, the report warned of the growing use of modern technologies by terrorist organisations. Encrypted messaging platforms, satellite communications, and artificial intelligence tools are increasingly being used for propaganda, recruitment, and operational coordination. These technological shifts are making terror networks more resilient and harder for security agencies to monitor and disrupt.

Diplomatic and Strategic Implications for India

The UN findings are expected to strengthen India’s diplomatic case at international forums, where New Delhi has repeatedly raised concerns about Pakistan-based terror groups operating with impunity. By formally linking JeM to the Red Fort attack, the UNSC report adds authoritative weight to India’s long-standing position that banned outfits continue to function and pose a direct threat to regional and global security.

The report also places renewed pressure on Pakistan to take verifiable and irreversible action against designated terror organisations and their leadership. Repeated international assessments have highlighted gaps between official claims and on-ground realities, raising questions about the effectiveness of enforcement against extremist networks.

The MGMM Outlook

The latest United Nations Security Council monitoring report linking Jaish-e-Mohammed to the Red Fort attack reinforces long-standing concerns over the continued operational strength of Pakistan-based terror networks. By directly associating JeM with a high-profile, mass-casualty attack on a site of national importance, the report challenges repeated claims that the group has been dismantled. The findings align with Indian security assessments that JeM continues to function through covert structures, cross-border support, and sophisticated logistics, allowing it to plan and execute complex operations despite international sanctions and domestic bans.

Equally alarming is the confirmation of a women-only wing, Jamaat ul-Muminat, announced by Masood Azhar, reflecting an adaptive strategy aimed at expanding recruitment and operational reach. The use of women in extremist networks can complicate detection and enhance roles in logistics, intelligence, fundraising, and radicalisation. Combined with the growing use of encrypted communications, satellite tools, and emerging technologies, the report highlights an evolving terror landscape in the region. These developments strengthen India’s position at global forums and increase pressure on Pakistan to take verifiable action, as the persistence and adaptation of such groups continue to pose a serious threat to regional and international security.

(Sources: Hindustan Times, India Today, OpIndia)