View source for Al-Qaeda in the Indian subcontinent-264553

{{Short description|Islamist militant organization}}
{{infobox war faction
| name             = Al-Qaeda in the Indian subcontinent
| native_name      = جماعة قاعدة الجهاد في شبه القارة الهندية
| native_name_lang = ar
| war              = War in Afghanistan
| designated_as_terror_group_by = {{flag|Australia}}<ref name="nationalsecurity.gov.au">{{cite web | url=https://www.nationalsecurity.gov.au/what-australia-is-doing/terrorist-organisations/listed-terrorist-organisations | title=Australian National Security website | access-date=2022-10-25 | archive-date=2022-10-25 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221025064424/https://www.nationalsecurity.gov.au/what-australia-is-doing/terrorist-organisations/listed-terrorist-organisations | url-status=live }}</ref><br>{{flag|Bangladesh}}<ref name="reuters.com">{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-bangladesh-attacks-idUSKCN0XN133|title=Al Qaeda affiliate says killed gay activist in Bangladesh|newspaper=Reuters |date=April 26, 2016|via=www.reuters.com|access-date=2019-01-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190117070234/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-bangladesh-attacks-idUSKCN0XN133|archive-date=2019-01-17|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="aljazeera.com">{{Cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/04/ansar-al-islam-claims-bangladesh-student-killing-160409065049180.html|title=Ansar al-Islam claims Bangladesh student's killing|website=www.aljazeera.com|access-date=2019-01-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190117065947/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/04/ansar-al-islam-claims-bangladesh-student-killing-160409065049180.html|archive-date=2019-01-17|url-status=live}}</ref><br>{{flag|India}}<ref name="indiatoday.in">{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/al-qaeda-video-attack-indian-cities-kashmir-terrorism-1116913-2017-12-27|title=In new video, Al-Qaeda says attacking Indian cities must to weaken security forces' grip on Kashmir|first1=Ankit |last1=Kumar |date=December 27, 2017|website=India Today|access-date=2019-01-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190116095910/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/al-qaeda-video-attack-indian-cities-kashmir-terrorism-1116913-2017-12-27|archive-date=2019-01-16|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="timesnownews.com">{{Cite web|url=https://www.timesnownews.com/international/article/al-qaeda-terror-group-india-myanmar-fresh-attack-hit-list/135990|title=Alarming: Al-Qaeda puts India on hit list, calls for fresh attacks|website=www.timesnownews.com|date=30 November 2017 |access-date=2019-01-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190116050152/https://www.timesnownews.com/international/article/al-qaeda-terror-group-india-myanmar-fresh-attack-hit-list/135990|archive-date=2019-01-16|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="theweek.in">{{Cite web|url=https://www.theweek.in/news/india/al-qaeda-terrorists-planned-attacks-on-Kolkata-schools.html|title=Arrested Al Qaeda terrorists planned attacks on Kolkata schools|website=theweek.in|access-date=2019-01-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190116101516/https://www.theweek.in/news/india/al-qaeda-terrorists-planned-attacks-on-Kolkata-schools.html|archive-date=2019-01-16|url-status=live}}</ref><br>{{flag|Myanmar}}<ref name=indiatoday/><br>{{flag|Pakistan}}<ref name="The Week">{{cite news|url=https://www.theweek.in/content/archival/news/world/al-qaeda-indian-subcontinent-pakistan.html|title=Al Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent threatens to wage war against Pak|access-date=27 June 2017|publisher=The Week|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190102053557/https://www.theweek.in/content/archival/news/world/al-qaeda-indian-subcontinent-pakistan.html|archive-date=2 January 2019|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref name="Dawn2005">{{cite news|last=Raza |first=Syed Irfan |title=Al Qaeda's number three Faraj Al Libbi arrested |url=https://www.dawn.com/news/137930/al-qaeda |access-date=20 March 2019 |newspaper=Dawn News area studies archives, 2005 |date=5 May 2005 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130329102824/http://archives.dawn.com/2005/05/05/top1.htm |archive-date=29 March 2013 }}</ref><ref name="lead1">{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2014/12/06/world/asia/pakistan-al-qaeda-death/index.html?iref=allsearch|title=Pakistan kills al Qaeda leader on FBI most wanted list|author=Sophia Saifi, Ben Brumfield and Susan Candiotti|date=6 December 2014|work=CNN|access-date=20 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141216105037/http://www.cnn.com/2014/12/06/world/asia/pakistan-al-qaeda-death/index.html?iref=allsearch|archive-date=16 December 2014|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref><br>{{flag|United States}}<ref name="The Sunday Guardian">{{cite news|url=http://www.sunday-guardian.com/news/al-qaeda-finds-base-in-india-modi-is-on-its-radar|title=Al Qaeda finds base in India, Modi is on its radar|work=The Sunday Guardian|date=March 29, 2014|access-date=June 5, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140606222723/http://www.sunday-guardian.com/news/al-qaeda-finds-base-in-india-modi-is-on-its-radar|archive-date=2014-06-06|url-status=live}}</ref>
| image            = Flag of AQIS.svg
| caption          = Flag of AQIS
| active           = {{start date|2014|09|03|df=y}} – present
| ideology         = {{Collapsible list|title={{nobold|see list}}|[[Deobandism]]<ref>{{Cite book |last=Syed |first=Jawad |title=Faith-Based Violence and Deobandi Militancy in Pakistan |publisher=Palgrave Macmillan |year=2016 |isbn=978-1-349-94965-6 |editor-last1=Syed |editor-first1=Jawad |editor-last2=Pio |editor-first2=Edwina |editor-last3=Kamran |editor-first3=Tahir |editor-last4=Zaidi |editor-first4=Abbas |location=London, UK |page=18 |chapter=Introduction| doi= 10.1057/978-1-349-94966-3}}</ref>
<br/>[[Deobandi jihadism]]<ref>{{Cite book |last=Syed |first=Jawad |title=Faith-Based Violence and Deobandi Militancy in India |publisher=Palgrave Macmillan |year=2016 |isbn=978-1-349-94965-6 |editor-last1=Syed |editor-first1=Jawad |editor-last2=Pio |editor-first2=Edwina |editor-last3=Kamran |editor-first3=Tahir |editor-last4=Zaidi |editor-first4=Abbas |location=London, UK |page=18 |chapter=Introduction| doi= 10.1057/978-1-349-94966-3}}</ref><br />[[Islamic fundamentalism]]<ref>IANS (10 October 2019), [https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/how-sambhals-shanno-became-alqaedas-maulana-asim-umar/1637342 "How Sambhal''s Shanno became Al-Qaeda''s Maulana Asim Umar"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211029180419/https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/how-sambhals-shanno-became-alqaedas-maulana-asim-umar/1637342 |date=2021-10-29 }}, ''Outlook India''. Retrieved 12 May 2020.</ref><br />[[Islamic extremism]]<ref name="Stephen E. Atkins">{{cite book|last1=Atkins|first1=Stephen E. |author-link=Stephen E. Atkins|title=Encyclopedia of Modern Worldwide Extremists and Extremist Groups|date=2004|publisher=Greenwood Press|isbn=978-0313324857|page=[https://archive.org/details/encyclopediaofmo0000atki/page/173 173]|url=https://archive.org/details/encyclopediaofmo0000atki|url-access=registration}}</ref><br />[[Sunni Islam]]ism<br />[[Jihadism]]<ref name="lwj05Sep">{{cite web|title=Al Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent incorporates regional jihadist groups|website=Long War Journal|date=5 September 2014|url=http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2014/09/analysis_al_qaeda_in.php|access-date=22 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141220192221/http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2014/09/analysis_al_qaeda_in.php|archive-date=2014-12-20|url-status=live}}</ref><br />[[Qutbism]]<br />[[LGBT rights opposition|Anti-LGBT]]<ref name="Saad Hammadi">{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/apr/25/editor-USA-first-lgbt-magazine-killed-reports-say-roopbaan|title=Founder of Bangladesh's first and only LGBT magazine killed|author=Saad Hammadi|work=The Guardian|date=25 April 2016 |access-date=12 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160502133056/http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/apr/25/editor-bangladesh-first-lgbt-magazine-killed-reports-say-roopbaan|archive-date=2016-05-02|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="The Long War Journal">{{cite web|url=http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2016/04/aqis-targets-lgbt-activist-friend-in-bangladesh.php|title=Al Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent claims killing of LGBT activist, friend in Bangladesh|work=The Long War Journal|date=26 April 2016 |access-date=12 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160430064129/http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2016/04/aqis-targets-lgbt-activist-friend-in-bangladesh.php|archive-date=2016-04-30|url-status=live}}</ref><br />[[Anti-Indian sentiment]]<ref name="Ansar ut-Tawhid wal-Jihad in Kashm">{{cite news|url=https://news.siteintelgroup.com/Jihadist-News/ansar-ut-tawhid-wal-jihad-in-kashmir-expresses-support-for-aqis.html|work=SITE Institute|title="Ansar ut-Tawhid wal-Jihad in Kashmir" Expresses Support for AQIS|date=10 October 2014|access-date=2014-12-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141223015010/https://news.siteintelgroup.com/Jihadist-News/ansar-ut-tawhid-wal-jihad-in-kashmir-expresses-support-for-aqis.html|archive-date=2014-12-23|url-status=live}}</ref><br />[[Persecution of Ahmadis|Anti-Ahmadi]]<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://dailytimes.com.pk/264711/hate-crime-five-ahmedis-shot-injured-in-two-incidents/ |title=Five Ahmedis shot, injured in two incidents - Daily Times |access-date=14 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180714221822/https://dailytimes.com.pk/264711/hate-crime-five-ahmedis-shot-injured-in-two-incidents/ |archive-date=14 July 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref><br />[[Anti-Zionism]]<ref name="firstpost.com">Praveen Swami (10 October 2019), [https://www.firstpost.com/india/slain-al-qaeda-chief-asim-umar-was-uttar-pradesh-village-boy-who-became-best-selling-jihadist-pulp-fiction-writer-7474181.html "Slain Al-Qaeda chief Asim Umar was Uttar Pradesh village boy who became best-selling jihadist pulp-fiction writer"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211028171610/https://www.firstpost.com/india/slain-al-qaeda-chief-asim-umar-was-uttar-pradesh-village-boy-who-became-best-selling-jihadist-pulp-fiction-writer-7474181.html |date=2021-10-28 }}, ''Firstpost''. Retrieved 12 May 2020.</ref><br />[[Antisemitism]]<ref name="firstpost.com"/>
}}
| leaders          = [[Asim Umar]]{{KIA}} (2014–19)<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/us-air-strikes-kill-up-terrorist-heading-al-qaida-in-region/articleshow/71496505.cms|title=US air strikes kill UP terrorist heading al-Qaida in Indian Subcontinent|date=9 October 2019|access-date=25 July 2021|work=[[Times of India]]|archive-date=7 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210707070323/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/us-air-strikes-kill-up-terrorist-heading-al-qaida-in-region/articleshow/71496505.cms|url-status=live}}</ref><br>Osama Mahmood (2019–present)<ref>{{Cite web|last=Iqbal|first=Anwar|date=2021-07-26|title=Al Qaeda present in 15 Afghan provinces: UN|url=https://www.dawn.com/news/1636932|access-date=2021-07-26|website=DAWN.COM|language=en|archive-date=2021-07-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210726031709/https://www.dawn.com/news/1636932|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=UN sounds alarm over situation in Afghanistan: Report|url=https://www.wionews.com/world/un-sounds-alarm-over-situation-in-afghanistan-report-400578|access-date=2021-07-25|website=[[WION (TV channel)|WION]]|date=25 July 2021 |language=en|archive-date=2021-07-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210725152113/https://www.wionews.com/world/un-sounds-alarm-over-situation-in-afghanistan-report-400578|url-status=live}}</ref>
| headquarters     = 
| allegiance       = {{flagicon image|Flag of Jihad.svg}} [[Al-Qaeda]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://documents-dds-ny.un.org/doc/UNDOC/GEN/N23/431/79/PDF/N2343179.pdf?OpenElement |title=UN report about Afghanistan 2024|date=29 January 2024 }}</ref>
| clans            =[[File:ShababFlag.svg|25px]] [[Ansarullah Bangla Team]]<br/>{{flagicon image|Flag of Jihad.svg}} [[Harkat-ul-Jihad al-Islami]]<br/>{{flagicon image|Flag of Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind.svg}} [[Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind]]<br>{{flagicon image|Flag of Jihad.svg}} [[Lashkar al-Zil]]<ref>{{cite book |last1=Giustozzi |first1=Antonio |title=Jihadism in Pakistan Al-Qaeda, Islamic State and the Local Militants |pages=34 |url=https://www.google.ca/books/edition/Jihadism_in_Pakistan/OayiEAAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=Lashkar+al+Zil&pg=PA34&printsec=frontcover}}</ref><br/> [[File:ShababFlag.svg|25px]] [[Muslim United Liberation Tigers of Assam]] (until 2016)
| area             = [[Indian subcontinent]]
| size             = 180-400 in Afghanistan (UN report)<ref>{{cite web |title=S/2022/419 |url=https://www.undocs.org/Home/Mobile?FinalSymbol=S%2F2022%2F419&Language=E&DeviceType=Mobile&LangRequested=False |website=United Nations Security Council |access-date=9 June 2022 |archive-date=30 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220930033729/https://www.undocs.org/Home/Mobile?FinalSymbol=S%2F2022%2F419&Language=E&DeviceType=Mobile&LangRequested=False |url-status=live }}</ref><br/>
Unknown in Pakistan and India
| partof           = {{flagicon image|Flag of Jihad.svg}} [[Al-Qaeda]]
| allies           = '''State allies'''
*{{flag|Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan}}
'''Non-state allies'''
*[[File:Flag of Caucasian Emirate.svg|25px]] [[Caucasus Emirate]]
*[[File:ShababFlag.svg|border|25px]] [[al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula]]
*[[File:ShababFlag.svg|25px]] [[Al-Shabaab (militant group)|Al-Shabaab]] 
*{{flagicon image|Flag_of_Tehrik-i-Taliban.svg|25px}} [[Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan]]
*{{flagicon image|Flag of Harkat-ul-Mujahideen.svg}} [[Harakat-ul-Mujahedeen]]<ref>[http://web.stanford.edu/group/mappingmilitants/cgi-bin/maps/view/pak Pakistan] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230319070309/http://web.stanford.edu/group/mappingmilitants/cgi-bin/maps/view/pak |date=2023-03-19 }}. ''Mapping Militants''. [[Stanford University]].</ref>
| opponents        = {{Collapsible list|title=State opponents|
{{flag|Australia}}<ref name="nationalsecurity.gov.au"/>
<br>{{flag|Bangladesh}}<ref name="reuters.com"/><ref name="aljazeera.com"/>
<br>{{flag|India}}<ref name="indiatoday.in"/><ref name="timesnownews.com"/><ref name="theweek.in"/>
<br>{{flag|Myanmar}}<ref name=indiatoday/>
<br>{{flag|Pakistan}}<ref name="The Week"/><ref name="Dawn2005"/><ref name="lead1"/>
<br>{{flag|United States}}<ref name="The Sunday Guardian"/>
}}
{{Collapsible list|title=Non-state opponents|
{{Flagicon image|Flag of the Islamic State.svg}} [[Islamic State – Hind Province]]
<br>{{Flagicon image|Flag of the Kamtapur Liberation Organisation.png}} [[Kamtapur Liberation Organisation]]
<br>{{flagicon image|Flag of Karbi Longri N.C. Hills Liberation Front.svg}} [[Karbi Longri N.C. Hills Liberation Front]]
<br>{{flagicon image|Front Nacional Democratic Bodoland.svg}} [[National Democratic Front of Bodoland]]    
<br>{{flagicon image|Unofficial flag of Nagaland.svg}} [[National Socialist Council of Nagaland]] 
<br>{{Flagicon image|Flag of United Liberation Front of Asom.svg}} [[United Liberation Front of Assam]]
}}
| battles          = {{Collapsible list|title={{nobold|[[War on terror]]}}|
[[Insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir]]<ref>{{Cite web|title=Al Qaeda In the Indian subcontinent Released Video Titled 'Kashmir is our' Al Qaeda again target india|date=12 October 2021|url=https://www.news18.com/news/india/twice-in-a-week-al-qaeda-in-indian-subcontinent-releases-new-video-named-kashmir-is-ours-4313042.html|access-date=13 October 2021|archive-date=19 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221119065551/https://www.news18.com/news/india/twice-in-a-week-al-qaeda-in-indian-subcontinent-releases-new-video-named-kashmir-is-ours-4313042.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
<br>[[Internal conflict in Bangladesh]]
<br>[[Insurgency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa]]<ref>{{Cite web|title=Pakistanis head terror groups ISIL-K, AQIS, TTP; not yet blacklisted: UN report |date=26 January 2020 |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/pakistanis-head-terror-groups-isil-k-aqis-ttp-not-yet-blacklisted-un-report/articleshow/77180116.cms |work=The Economic Times}}</ref>
<br>[[Insurgency in Northeast India]]
}}
| url              = {{Official URL}}
| image_size       = 260px
| groups           = [[File:ShababFlag.svg|25px]] [[Muslim United Liberation Tigers of Assam]] (until 2016)<br/>{{flagicon image|Flag of Jihad.svg}} [[Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind]] (until 2022)<br/>[[File:ShababFlag.svg|25px]] [[Ansarullah Bangla Team]]<br/>{{flagicon image|Flag of Jihad.svg}} [[Harkat-ul-Jihad al-Islami]]<br/>{{flagicon image|Flag of Jihad.svg}} [[Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind]]
| merger           = Various Pakistani, Indian, Bangladeshi and Afghan Jihadist factions<ref name="lwj05Sep"/>
}}

'''Al-Qaeda in the Indian subcontinent''' ({{langx|ar|جماعة قاعدة الجهاد في شبه القارة الهندية|Jamā‘at Qā‘idat al-Jihād fī Shibh al-Qārrah al-Hindīyah|lit=Group of the Base of Jihad in the [[Indian subcontinent]]}})  usually abbreviated as '''AQIS''',<ref>{{cite news |url=https://af.reuters.com/article/commoditiesNews/idAFL3N0R51YH20140904?sp=true |title=Indian states on alert after al Qaeda announces local wing |publisher=Reuters |date=4 September 2014 |access-date=5 September 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140906155520/http://af.reuters.com/article/commoditiesNews/idAFL3N0R51YH20140904?sp=true |archive-date=2014-09-06 |url-status=dead }}</ref> is a branch of the [[Pan-Islamism|pan-Islamist]] militant organization [[al-Qaeda]]. After announcing the establishment of AQIS on 3 September 2014, [[Ayman al-Zawahiri]] declared that the branch's stated objectives involved fighting the governments of [[India]], [[Myanmar]], [[Bangladesh]] and [[Pakistan]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Al Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent threatens to wage war against Pak |url=https://www.theweek.in/content/archival/news/world/al-qaeda-indian-subcontinent-pakistan.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190102053557/https://www.theweek.in/content/archival/news/world/al-qaeda-indian-subcontinent-pakistan.html |archive-date=2 January 2019 |access-date=27 June 2017 |publisher=The Week |df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref name="Dawn2005" /><ref name="lead1" /><ref name=afp>{{cite web |title=Al-Qaeda opens branch in Indian subcontinent |url=https://www.smh.com.au/world/alqaeda-opens-branch-in-indian-subcontinent-20140904-10c52l.html |date=4 September 2014 |access-date=4 September 2014 |publisher=AFP |archive-date=5 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240105134043/https://www.smh.com.au/world/alqaeda-restates-power-as-branch-launches-in-indian-subcontinent-20140904-10c52l.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

The formation of the group was part of al-Qaeda's efforts to capitalise on [[Pakistani military]]'s policy of tolerance to anti-Indian insurgent groups, as well as to counter the expansion of the [[Islamic State]] militant group in the subcontinent.<ref name=":3" /> AQIS stated in 2014 that it views [[Pakistan]] as a "doorstep" to expand its war against India.<ref name=indiatoday>{{cite news|title=Al Qaeda's 'India' wing an old plan|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/mail-today/story/al-qaeda-india-wing-an-old-plan-292423-2014-09-14|publisher=India Today|date=14 September 2014|access-date=15 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140917094750/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/al-qaeda-india-wing-an-old-plan/1/382752.html|archive-date=2014-09-17|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":22">{{cite news |date=30 September 2014 |title=AQIS Clarifies Targets of Karachi Naval Yard Attack as US, Indian Navies |url=https://news.siteintelgroup.com/Jihadist-News/aqis-clarifies-targets-of-karachi-naval-yard-attack-as-u-s-indian-navies.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141223032247/https://news.siteintelgroup.com/Jihadist-News/aqis-clarifies-targets-of-karachi-naval-yard-attack-as-u-s-indian-navies.html |archive-date=2014-12-23 |access-date=2014-12-23 |work=SITE Institute}}</ref> The militant group has also stated its intentions to attack American targets in the [[Indian subcontinent]].<ref name="Roggio">{{Cite web |last=Roggio |first=Bill |date=17 September 2014 |title=AQIS claims plot to strike US warships was executed by Pakistani Navy officers |url=https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2014/09/aqis_claims_failed_p.php |website=Long War Journal}}</ref><ref name=":22" /> This group is listed as a terrorist organization by the [[United Nations]], United States, Canada, India and Pakistan.

== History ==
===Before Al-Qaeda in the Indian subcontinent===
Before coming together under AQIS, there were various jihadist factions operating in Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan. One of these factions operated in [[Karachi, Pakistan]], and were responsible for numerous attacks in the city. On 11 December 2014, AQIS issued a report detailing these attacks. The attacks targeted local police, a professor, and a blogger.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.siteintelgroup.com/Jihadist-News/aqis-reports-on-attacks-in-karachi-from-nov-2013-oct-2014-targets-police-a-blogger-and-a-professor.html|work=SITE Institute|title=AQIS Reports on Attacks in Karachi from Nov. 2013 - Oct. 2014, Targets Police, a Blogger, and a Professor|date=11 December 2014|access-date=2014-12-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141223045000/https://news.siteintelgroup.com/Jihadist-News/aqis-reports-on-attacks-in-karachi-from-nov-2013-oct-2014-targets-police-a-blogger-and-a-professor.html|archive-date=2014-12-23|url-status=live}}</ref>

===As Al-Qaeda in the Indian subcontinent===
On 3 September 2014, [[Ayman al-Zawahiri]], leader of [[al-Qaeda]], announced the establishment of a new branch in the Indian subcontinent in a 55-minute video posted online.<ref name="BARRY 2014">{{cite web|last=Barry|first=Ellen|title=4 Young Men Head for Iraq, Citing Fight for Islam, and India Wonders if More Will Follow|website=[[The New York Times]]|date=4 September 2014|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/09/05/world/asia/al-qaeda-announces-new-branch-on-indian-subcontinent.html?nytmobile=0|access-date=7 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140907192004/http://www.nytimes.com/2014/09/05/world/asia/al-qaeda-announces-new-branch-on-indian-subcontinent.html?nytmobile=0|archive-date=2014-09-07|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":0" /> During the announcement, Zawahiri stated that it had taken two years to gather various jihadist factions into the new group, and introduced [[Asim Umar]], an Indian national<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/OFAC-Enforcement/Pages/20160630.aspx|title=Counter Terrorism Designations and Removals|work=United States Department of the Treasury|date=30 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160821173353/https://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/OFAC-Enforcement/Pages/20160630.aspx|archive-date=21 August 2016|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> and a former commander of [[Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan]] (TTP), as its Emir.<ref name="lwj05Sep"/>

The announcement also introduced the group's spokesman, Usama Mahmoud, who praised militant commanders like [[Amjad Farooqi]], [[Ilyas Kashmiri]] and [[Hassan Ghul]]. Farooqi was killed by Pakistani security forces. Kashmiri and Ghul were killed by [[Drone attacks in Pakistan|US drone strikes]] in Pakistan.<ref name="lwj05Sep" /> The formation of the AQIS was part of Zawahiri's strategy to capitalise on [[Pakistani military]]'s policy of tolerance towards anti-Indian insurgent groups, as well as to counter the expansion of the [[Islamic State]] militant group in the subcontinent.<ref name=":3" />

On 11 December 2014, Pakistani police arrested Shahid Usman, the head of the al-Qaeda wing in [[Karachi]], and four others in Karachi along with weapons and 10&nbsp;kg of explosives.<ref name="AA2014">{{cite news|title=Al Qaeda South Asia commander held in Karachi|publisher=The Asian Age|date=13 December 2014|url=http://www.asianage.com/international/al-qaeda-south-asia-commander-held-karachi-046|access-date=16 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141216102729/http://www.asianage.com/international/al-qaeda-south-asia-commander-held-karachi-046|archive-date=2014-12-16|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Ahmad Farooq]], the deputy emir for AQIS, was killed on 15 January 2015 following a US drone strike in South Waziristan. Qari ‘Imran, a member of the group's ruling Shura Council, was killed on 5 January 2015 in a drone strike in North Waziristan.<ref name="lwj12apr">{{cite web|title=US killed AQIS deputy emir, shura member in January drone strikes|website=Long War Journal|date=12 April 2015|url=http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2015/04/us-killed-aqis-deputy-emir-shura-member-in-january-drone-strikes.php|access-date=13 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150414001126/http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2015/04/us-killed-aqis-deputy-emir-shura-member-in-january-drone-strikes.php|archive-date=2015-04-14|url-status=live}}</ref>

In July 2018, United States designated Asim Umar a global terrorist.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/us-air-strikes-kill-up-terrorist-heading-al-qaida-in-region/articleshow/71496505.cms|title=US air strikes kill UP terrorist heading al-Qaida in Indian Subcontinent|work=Times of India|date=9 October 2019|access-date=9 October 2019|archive-date=7 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210707070323/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/us-air-strikes-kill-up-terrorist-heading-al-qaida-in-region/articleshow/71496505.cms|url-status=live}}</ref>

Despite Zawahiri's announcement, [[Al Qaeda]] could not succeed in making any direct presence in India. Although some Kashmiris were arrested for assisting al Qaeda in the country{{Citation needed|date=August 2018}}, there is no evidence of any organized presence of the group in the region. Specifically, there has been no record of territorial claim, group activity or kidnapping of civilian or government officials by Al Qaeda. Some experts also suggest that Al Qaeda have links with some local Kashmiri factionist groups to spread insurgency in the Indian state of [[Jammu and Kashmir (state)|Jammu & Kashmir]].{{Citation needed|date=August 2018}} [[Indian Prime Minister]] [[Narendra Modi]] told [[CNN]] in an interview with [[Fareed Zakaria]] that Indian Muslims would not be allied with Al Qaeda because of their patriotism, modernity and literacy.<ref name="CNN">{{cite news|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2014/09/19/world/asia/india-modi-extremists/index.html|work=CNN|title=Al Qaeda will fail to recruit India's Muslims, Prime Minister says|date=22 September 2014|access-date=2018-03-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180325171527/https://edition.cnn.com/2014/09/19/world/asia/india-modi-extremists/index.html|archive-date=2018-03-25|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 23 September 2019, Afghan officials announced that they had killed [[Asim Umar]], the head of al-Qaeda in the Indian subcontinent, during a joint US-Afghan military raid in [[Helmand Province|Helmand province]] of [[Afghanistan]]. 40 Afghan civilians and 6 other Al-Qaeda militants were also killed in this raid.<ref name="BBC">{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-49970353|title=Asim Umar: Al-Qaeda's South Asia chief 'killed in Afghanistan'|date=8 October 2019|work=BBC News|access-date=8 October 2019|archive-date=9 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191009120721/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-49970353|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Relations with other Islamist factions==
Since the 1980s, al-Qaeda has formed close relations with Islamist insurgent groups in Kashmir.<ref name=":3" /> In his announcement declaring the formation of AQIS,  Ayman al-Zawahiri stated that [[sharia]] law has to be completely implemented under an [[Islamic state]] in Pakistan, while fervently denouncing the Indian government as an enemy of Islam. Al-Qaeda's emphasis on directing its enmity against India, while refraining from directly targeting Pakistan, is viewed as part of its strategy to strengthen its relations with Pakistan-backed militant groups.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Haqqani |first=Husain |date=27 March 2015 |title=Prophecy & the Jihad in the Indian Subcontinent |url=https://www.hudson.org/national-security-defense/prophecy-the-jihad-in-the-indian-subcontinent |website=hudson.org}}</ref>

In October 2014, a [[Kashmiri Militants|Kashmiri militant]] group calling itself "Ansar ut-Tawhid wal Jihad in Kashmir" published a video expressing support for Al Qaeda in the Indian subcontinent.<ref name="Ansar ut-Tawhid wal-Jihad in Kashm"/> The group offered to provide shelter to foreign fighters within AQIS as well as fight alongside it.

AQIS spokesman Usama Mahmoud, in series of tweets, expressed support for militant groups in [[Chechnya]], [[Dagestan]], and [[Yemen]].<ref name="SITE Institute">{{cite news|url=https://news.siteintelgroup.com/Jihadist-News/aqis-spokesman-condemns-infidel-system-prays-for-fighters-in-chechnya-dagestan-and-yemen.html|work=SITE Institute|title=AQIS Spokesman Condemns "Infidel System," Prays for Fighters in Chechnya, Dagestan, and Yemen|date=4 November 2014|access-date=2014-12-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141223015041/https://news.siteintelgroup.com/Jihadist-News/aqis-spokesman-condemns-infidel-system-prays-for-fighters-in-chechnya-dagestan-and-yemen.html|archive-date=2014-12-23|url-status=live}}</ref> He also gave a eulogy for [[al-Shabaab (militant group)|al-Shabaab]] leader [[Ahmed Abdi Godane]], who was killed in a US drone strike.<ref name="news.siteintelgroup.com">{{cite news|url=https://news.siteintelgroup.com/Jihadist-News/aqis-gives-eulogy-for-former-shabaab-leader-reminds-that-u-s-must-be-fought.html|work=SITE Institute|title=AQIS Gives Eulogy for Former Shabaab Leader, Reminds that US Must be Fought|date=5 November 2014|access-date=2014-12-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141223014912/https://news.siteintelgroup.com/Jihadist-News/aqis-gives-eulogy-for-former-shabaab-leader-reminds-that-u-s-must-be-fought.html|archive-date=2014-12-23|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Media==
On 19 October 2014, a 117-page English-language magazine called ''Resurgence'' was released online. It was produced by the subcontinent branch of Al Qaeda's [[As-Sahab]] media production house, and the articles focused on waging jihad in the Indian subcontinent.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2014/10/al_qaedas_resurgence-2.php|work=The Long War Journal|title=Analysis: Al Qaeda's 'Resurgence' focuses on Indian Subcontinent|date=23 October 2014|access-date=8 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150422113737/http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2014/10/al_qaedas_resurgence-2.php|archive-date=2015-04-22|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Statements===
Al Qaeda in the Indian subcontinent has released multiple statements, mainly via the Twitter account of Usama Mahmoud, the group's spokesperson.

On 13 September 2014, Usama Mahmoud claimed responsibility for the attempted raid on a Pakistani naval frigate and the assassination of [[Pakistani]] Brigadier Zahoor Ahmad Fazal in Punjab Province.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2014/09/al_qaeda_in_the_indi.php|work=The Long War Journal|title=Al Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent claims 2 attacks in Pakistan|date=13 September 2014|access-date=2014-09-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140915072714/http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2014/09/al_qaeda_in_the_indi.php|archive-date=2014-09-15|url-status=live}}</ref> On 17 September, Mahmoud released a statement which justified the attempted attack on the Pakistani frigate, stating that America was the primary enemy of AQIS.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.siteintelgroup.com/Jihadist-News/aqis-explains-motivations-for-targeting-u-s-navy-in-karachi-considers-america-its-primary-enemy.html|work=SITE Institute|title=AQIS Explains Motivation for Targeting US Navy in Karachi, Considers America its Primary Target|date=17 September 2014|access-date=2014-12-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141223031711/https://news.siteintelgroup.com/Jihadist-News/aqis-explains-motivations-for-targeting-u-s-navy-in-karachi-considers-america-its-primary-enemy.html|archive-date=2014-12-23|url-status=live}}</ref> On September 30, AQIS released another statement which said that the intended targets were the American and Indian navies.<ref name=":2">{{cite news|url=https://news.siteintelgroup.com/Jihadist-News/aqis-clarifies-targets-of-karachi-naval-yard-attack-as-u-s-indian-navies.html|work=SITE Institute|title=AQIS Clarifies Targets of Karachi Naval Yard Attack as US, Indian Navies|date=30 September 2014|access-date=2014-12-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141223032247/https://news.siteintelgroup.com/Jihadist-News/aqis-clarifies-targets-of-karachi-naval-yard-attack-as-u-s-indian-navies.html|archive-date=2014-12-23|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 14 October 2014, Mahmoud confirmed that AQIS senior leader Imran Ali Siddiqi was killed in a US drone strike. He also spoke about the [[2014 military intervention against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant|US-led coalition in Iraq and Syria]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.siteintelgroup.com/Jihadist-News/aqis-spokesman-confirms-death-of-official-in-drone-strike-reiterates-call-to-target-america.html|work=SITE Institute|title=AQIS Spokesman Confirms Death of Official in Drone Strike, Reiterates Call to Target America|date=14 October 2014|access-date=2014-12-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141223032244/https://news.siteintelgroup.com/Jihadist-News/aqis-spokesman-confirms-death-of-official-in-drone-strike-reiterates-call-to-target-america.html|archive-date=2014-12-23|url-status=live}}</ref> Siddiqi was a member of the group's Shura council.

On 4 November 2014, Mahmoud released a series of tweets that condemned what he said as the "Infidel System." He also prayed for god to support militants in [[Chechnya]], [[Dagestan]], and [[Yemen]], as well as [[Iraq]] and [[Syria]].<ref name="SITE Institute"/> The following day, Mahmoud released a statement giving condolences for the killing of [[Somalia|Somali]] [[al-Qaeda]] leader Ahmed Abdi Godane. He directed a statement to Somali fighters which said that the US must be fought.<ref name="news.siteintelgroup.com"/>

AQIS released an audio message from its leader, [[Asim Umar]], on 10 November 2014. Umar eulogized AQIS Shura Council member Imran Ali Siddiqi, who was killed in a US drone strike in the [[Federally Administered Tribal Areas]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.siteintelgroup.com/Jihadist-News/aqis-leader-eulogizes-shura-council-member-killed-in-u-s-drone-strike.html|work=SITE Institute|title=AQIS Leader Eulogizes Shura Council Member Killed in US Drone Strike|date=10 November 2014|access-date=2014-12-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141223031529/https://news.siteintelgroup.com/Jihadist-News/aqis-leader-eulogizes-shura-council-member-killed-in-u-s-drone-strike.html|archive-date=2014-12-23|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 20 November 2014, AQIS spokesman Usama Mahmoud released a statement confirming the death of two officials of the group in a US raid on the border between Pakistan and [[Afghanistan]]. One of the officials owned the house that [[Khalid Sheikh Mohammed]] lived in when he was captured.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.siteintelgroup.com/Jihadist-News/aqis-spokesman-announces-death-of-two-officials-one-of-whom-owned-house-where-khalid-sheikh-muhammad-was-captured.html|work=SITE Institute|title=AQIS Spokesman Announces Death of Two Officials, One of Whom Owned House Where Khalid Sheikh Mohammed was Captured|date=20 November 2014|access-date=2014-12-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141223031714/https://news.siteintelgroup.com/Jihadist-News/aqis-spokesman-announces-death-of-two-officials-one-of-whom-owned-house-where-khalid-sheikh-muhammad-was-captured.html|archive-date=2014-12-23|url-status=live}}</ref> Four days later, Mahmoud gave a eulogy for the two officials, and urged Pakistani doctors and military officers to follow their example.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.siteintelgroup.com/Jihadist-News/aqis-gives-eulogy-for-two-slain-officials-urges-doctors-and-pakistani-military-officers-to-follow-their-example.html|work=SITE Institute|title=AQIS Gives Eulogy for Two Slain Officials, Urges Doctors and Pakistan Military Officers to Follow Their Example|date=24 November 2014|access-date=2014-12-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141223031621/https://news.siteintelgroup.com/Jihadist-News/aqis-gives-eulogy-for-two-slain-officials-urges-doctors-and-pakistani-military-officers-to-follow-their-example.html|archive-date=2014-12-23|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 5 December 2014, AQIS published a photo showing the two officials who were killed in the US raid on the [[Durand Line|Afghan-Pakistani border]], as well as a photo of the deceased son of one of the officials.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.siteintelgroup.com/Jihadist-News/aqis-provides-picture-of-two-officials-killed-in-u-s-raid-in-november-2014.html|work=SITE Institute|title=AQIS Provides Picture of Two Officials Killed in US Raid in November 2014|date=5 December 2014|access-date=2014-12-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141223032147/https://news.siteintelgroup.com/Jihadist-News/aqis-provides-picture-of-two-officials-killed-in-u-s-raid-in-november-2014.html|archive-date=2014-12-23|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 20 December 2014, Usama Mahmoud, spokesman for AQIS, condemned [[2014 Peshawar school attack|an attack on a school in Peshawar, Pakistan]], which was carried out by the [[Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan|Pakistani Taliban]]. He said that the attack was un-Islamic and that "the massacre of innocent children makes our hearts burst."<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2014/12/al_qaeda_condemns_at.php|work=The Long War Journal|title=Al Qaeda condemns Pakistani Taliban's attack on Peshawar school|date=20 December 2014|access-date=2014-12-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141221051119/http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2014/12/al_qaeda_condemns_at.php|archive-date=2014-12-21|url-status=live}}</ref>

On 7 June 2022, AQIS threatened suicide attacks in Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Mumbai and Delhi to "fight for the dignity of our Prophet" amid brewing controversy over the remarks by [[2022 BJP Muhammad remarks controversy|BJP leaders on the founder of Islam]].<ref>{{cite news | url = https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/alqaeda-threatens-suicide-attacks-over-sacked-bjp-leaders-remarks-on-prophet-101654647941976.html | title = Al-Qaeda threatens suicide attacks over sacked BJP leaders' remarks on Prophet | work = [[Hindustan Times]] | date = 2022-06-07 | quote = AQIS warned that "saffron terrorists should now await their end in Delhi and Bombay and in UP and Gujarat", according to the report. | access-date = 2022-06-08 | archive-date = 2022-06-08 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220608055823/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/alqaeda-threatens-suicide-attacks-over-sacked-bjp-leaders-remarks-on-prophet-101654647941976.html | url-status = live }}</ref>

== Claimed, alleged and repudiated attacks ==
As of now, AQIS have carried out multiple terrorist attacks in Pakistan and [[Bangladesh]]:

*The group took responsibility for the 2 September 2014 assassination of Brigadier Fazal Zahoor, a senior officer in the Pakistani Army, who was shot dead by men riding motorcycles.<ref>{{cite web|title=Al Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent claims 2 attacks in Pakistan|url=http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2014/09/al_qaeda_in_the_indi.php|work=Long War Journal|date=13 September 2014|access-date=15 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140915072714/http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2014/09/al_qaeda_in_the_indi.php|archive-date=2014-09-15|url-status=live}}</ref>
*Spokesman Usama Mahmoud claimed responsibility for a 6 September 2014 attack on a Naval dockyard in [[Karachi]], reportedly carried out by former Pakistan Navy officers, who unsuccessfully tried to hijack a [[F-22P Zulfiquar-class frigate|F-22P frigate]]. Three attackers were killed and seven were arrested by Pakistani forces.<ref>{{cite news|title=First claim by al-Qaeda subcontinent wing: Pakistan Navy men ours|publisher=Indian Express|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/world/world-others/first-claim-by-al-qaeda-subcontinent-wing-pakistan-navy-men-ours/|date=12 September 2014|access-date=12 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140912082716/http://indianexpress.com/article/world/world-others/first-claim-by-al-qaeda-subcontinent-wing-pakistan-navy-men-ours/|archive-date=2014-09-12|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Sanchez 2014">{{cite web|last=Sanchez|first=Ray|title=Al Qaeda branch in South Asia launches first assault|website=CNN|date=18 September 2014|url=http://www.cnn.com/2014/09/18/world/asia/pakistan-al-qaeda-navy-attack/index.html|access-date=20 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140919173409/http://www.cnn.com/2014/09/18/world/asia/pakistan-al-qaeda-navy-attack/index.html|archive-date=2014-09-19|url-status=live}}</ref> On September 30, AQIS released another statement which asserted that the attacks were carried by defectors within the Pakistani navy who "responded to the appeal of the scholars and jihad". AQIS stated that the target of the operation was the American naval fleet stationed in the dockyard.<ref name="Roggio"/><ref name=":2" />
*Spokesman Usama Mahmoud condemned on 20 December 2014 the [[2014 Peshawar school attack|Peshawar school attack]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Al Qaeda condemns Pakistani Taliban's attack on Peshawar school|url=http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2014/12/al_qaeda_condemns_at.php|website=The Long War Journal|date=20 December 2014 |access-date=4 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150426014441/http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2014/12/al_qaeda_condemns_at.php|archive-date=2015-04-26|url-status=live}}</ref>
* In video released on 2 May 2015, AQIS claimed responsibility for the death of four Bangladeshi bloggers; [[Avijit Roy]], [[Oyasiqur Rahman Babu]], [[Ahmed Rajib Haider]] and AKM Shafiul Islam. They also claimed responsibility for killing two Pakistani citizens, Dr [[Shakil Auj]] and blogger Aneeqa Naz. They mentioned Indian Prime Minister [[Narendra Modi]].<ref name="ht15">{{cite web | title=Al Qaeda's India wing mentions PM Modi in video | website=Hindustan Times | url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/al-qaeda-s-india-wing-mentions-pm-modi-in-video/article1-1343642.aspx | access-date=2015-05-03 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150504103650/http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/al-qaeda-s-india-wing-mentions-pm-modi-in-video/article1-1343642.aspx | archive-date=2015-05-04 | url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name=nytimes>{{cite web |title=Al Qaeda Branch Claims Responsibility for Bangladeshi Blogger's Killing |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/04/world/asia/bangladesh-al-qaeda-indian-subcontinent-attack-on-bloggers.html?_r=0 |date=4 May 2015 |access-date=4 May 2015 |publisher=NY Times |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150505062725/http://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/04/world/asia/bangladesh-al-qaeda-indian-subcontinent-attack-on-bloggers.html?_r=0 |archive-date=2015-05-05 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* On 7 April 2016, AQIS claimed responsibility for the stabbing death of a blogger in Bangladesh by some Islamist militias.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/gulf/2016/04/07/Secular-activist-hacked-to-death-in-Bangladesh.html|title=Secular activist hacked to death in Bangladesh|website=english.alarabiya.net|date=7 April 2016 |access-date=2019-01-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180628044319/http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/gulf/2016/04/07/Secular-activist-hacked-to-death-in-Bangladesh.html|archive-date=2018-06-28|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2016/04/07/asia/secular-bangladeshi-writer-murdered/index.html |title=Al Qaeda group says it killed Nazimuddin Samad |author1=Sugam Pokharel |author2=Ivan Watson |author3=Yuli Yang |date=7 April 2016 |work=CNN |access-date=12 May 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160421015502/http://edition.cnn.com/2016/04/07/asia/secular-bangladeshi-writer-murdered/index.html |archive-date=2016-04-21 |url-status=live}}</ref>
* On 25 April 2016, AQIS claimed responsibility for the death of an [[LGBT|LGBT activist]] in [[Dhaka]], Bangladesh.<ref name="Saad Hammadi"/><ref name="The Long War Journal"/>
* On 7 September 2023, AQIS fighters collaborated with Pakistani Taliban militants in conducting [[2023 Chitral cross-border attacks|an attack]] on [[Chitral District]], [[Khyber Pakhtunkhwa]], which killed four Pakistani soldiers.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hussain |first=Abid |date=2023-09-07 |title=Four soldiers, 12 TTP fighters killed in northwest Pakistan |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/9/7/four-soldiers-12-ttp-fighters-killed-in-northwest-pakistan |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241008230621/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/9/7/four-soldiers-12-ttp-fighters-killed-in-northwest-pakistan |archive-date=2024-10-08 |access-date=2024-11-11 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":02">{{Cite web |last=Gul |first=Ayaz |date=2024-02-01 |title=UN: Al-Qaida, Afghan Taliban Assist TTP With Attacks in Pakistan |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/un-al-qaida-afghan-taliban-assist-ttp-with-attacks-in-pakistan-/7466250.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240916174605/https://www.voanews.com/a/un-al-qaida-afghan-taliban-assist-ttp-with-attacks-in-pakistan-/7466250.html |archive-date=2024-09-16 |access-date=2024-11-11 |website=Voice of America |language=en}}</ref>

==Criticism==
The group has been condemned by other Muslim religious and political organizations including the Association of Indian Muslims, [[Indian American Muslim Council]], Indian Minorities Advocacy Network, Indian Muslim Educational Foundation of North America, Indian Muslim Relief and Charities, Muslim Youth Awareness Alliance in India,<ref name=":0">{{cite web|last1=Mirsab|first1=A.|title=Condemnation continues to pour from all corners against Al-Qaeda establishment in South Asia|url=https://www.imrcusa.org/condemnation-continues-to-pour-from-all-corners-against-al-qaeda-establishment-in-south-asia/|website=TwoCircle.net|publisher=Indian Relief and Muslim Charities|access-date=22 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170118051949/https://www.imrcusa.org/condemnation-continues-to-pour-from-all-corners-against-al-qaeda-establishment-in-south-asia/|archive-date=18 January 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> and the [[Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh]] and [[Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish|Khelafat Majlish]] in Bangladesh and Burmese Muslim Association in Myanmar.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1">{{Cite news|url=http://english.thereport24.com/article/12764/index.html|title=Al Qaeda won't gain ground in Bangladesh: Politicians|last=Azam|first=Kawsar|date=4 September 2014|newspaper=English24.com|access-date=22 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170118052106/http://english.thereport24.com/article/12764/index.html|archive-date=2017-01-18|url-status=dead}}</ref> A spokesman for Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh added: <blockquote>There is prevailing a congenial and peaceful environment in Bangladesh. People are living in peace and in such a situation the announcement by Al Qaeda chief Zawahiri has made the people fearful and worried. Bangladesh had experienced earlier militant activities and terrorism by [[Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh]] and [[Harkat-ul-Jihad al-Islami]]. However, they could not emerge successful and Al Qaeda would not come out successful in Bangladesh despite their announcement.<ref name=":1" /></blockquote>

== See also ==
* [[Al-Qaeda]]
* [[Shakil Auj]]
* [[Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind]] 
* [[Islamic terrorism]]

== References ==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*[[Counter Extremism Project]] [http://www.counterextremism.com/threat/al-qaeda-indian-subcontinent-aqis profile]
{{Al-Qaeda direct franchises}}
{{US War on Terror}}

[[Category:Branches of al-Qaeda]]
[[Category:Deobandi jihadist organizations]]
[[Category:Jihadist groups in Bangladesh]]
[[Category:Jihadist groups in India]]
[[Category:Jihadist groups in Pakistan]]
[[Category:Organizations based in Asia designated as terrorist]]
[[Category:Organisations designated as terrorist by Australia]]
[[Category:Organizations designated as terrorist by Bangladesh]]
[[Category:Organizations designated as terrorist by Canada]]
[[Category:Organisations designated as terrorist by India]]
[[Category:Organisations designated as terrorist by Pakistan]]
[[Category:Organizations designated as terrorist by the United States]]