Country Reports on Terrorism 2014 - Foreign Terrorist Organizations: Indian Mujahedeen

aka Indian Mujahidin; Islamic Security Force-Indian Mujahideen (ISF-IM)

Description: The Indian Mujahedeen (IM) was designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization on September 19, 2011. An India-based terrorist group with links to Pakistan-based terrorist organizations, IM has been responsible for dozens of bomb attacks throughout India since 2005, and has caused the deaths of hundreds of civilians. IM maintains ties to other U.S.-designated terrorist entities including Pakistan-based Lashkar e-Tayyiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammed, and Harakat ul-Jihad Islami. IM's stated goal is to carry out terrorist actions against Indians for their oppression of Muslims.

Activities: IM's primary method of attack is multiple coordinated bombings in crowded areas against economic and civilian targets to maximize terror and casualties. In 2008, an IM attack in Delhi killed 30 people; IM was responsible for 16 synchronized bomb blasts in crowded urban centers, and an attack at a local hospital in Ahmedabad that killed 38 and injured more than 100. Individuals associated with IM probably played a facilitative role in the 2008 Mumbai attacks carried out by LeT that killed 166 people, including six Americans. In 2010, IM carried out the bombing of a popular German bakery in Pune, India, frequented by tourists, killing 17 and injuring over 60. In 2013, IM conducted multiple bombings and terrorist attacks, killing dozens of innocent civilians and injuring hundreds more.

In 2014, IM reportedly continued to plan serial bombings throughout India. The Delhi Police Special Cell and Rajasthan Antiterrorism Squad disrupted a major terrorist attack in Rajasthan on March 23 when they arrested four suspected IM terrorists and confiscated 250 kg of explosives, including over 70 bombs. Indian authorities stated that IM was planning terrorist attacks in Delhi in September, and police seized a file with IM's letterhead that mentioned plans to target Indian cities.

Strength: Unknown

Location/Area of Operation: India

Funding and External Aid: Suspected to obtain funding and support from other terrorist organizations, and from sources in Pakistan and the Middle East.