Intelligence agencies see a method in Qaeda madness

MUMBAI: Intelligence and security agencies are trying to establish a pattern which links the latest Al Qaeda video and possible infiltration by a section of West Asia-based terrorists into important Indian cities.

A recent intelligence assessment warned of a strong likelihood of Yemen-based terrorists infiltrating into Mumbai and Delhi.

Security agencies are trying to figure out if a section of local Jehadis has managed to forge “ties” with operatives of senior Al Qaeda leaders in Yemen.

However, New Delhi sought to downplay the latest Qaeda threat which signalled a possible attack on diplomatic missions in the capital, with the Centre choosing to dismiss the warning as an “extended threat”.

Qaeda-sponsored terror attacks, according to the video, would be orchestrated to avenge US-led actions in Iraq and Afghanistan.

But a possible Qaeda imprint on last year’s commuter train bombings has sent officials here on the trail of “operatives” who may be owing allegiance to members of Osama bin Laden’s group.

Sources in the security establishment told DNA a Qaeda threat can’t really be dismissed. More so, in view of National Security Adviser MK Narayanan’s recent statement that the terror group has successfully performed “dummy runs” in parts of the country.

Infiltration by operatives from Yemen-based terror groups is the newest threat to the nation.Intelligence sources said the security scene is particularly grim in Mumbai as it remains a perennial soft target for Jehadis.

There has been a spate of reports suggesting possibilities of “high-impact” terror strikes in Mumbai, and that known groups may league up with hitherto “lesser-known” entities to target business installations and civilian population.

“The threat is as much to Mumbai as for cities such as Tel Aviv, Moscow and New Delhi,” said an Intelligence official.