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| {{lowercase title}}
| | #REDIRECT [[Al-Qaeda in the Indian subcontinent]] |
| {{infobox war faction
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| |name = al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent
| | {{Redirect category shell| |
| |native_name = جماعة قاعدة الجهاد في شبه القارة الهندية
| | {{R from move}} |
| |native_name_lang = ar
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| |war =
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| |image = Flag of AQIS.jpg
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| |caption = Flag of AQIS
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| |active = {{start date|2014|09|03|df=y}} – present
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| |ideology =
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| |leaders = [[Asim Umar]]{{KIA}}
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| |headquarters =
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| |area = [[Indian subcontinent]]
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| |size = 300<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/01/world/asia/01qaeda.html?_r=0|work=The New York Times|first1=David E.|last1=Sanger|first2=Mark|last2=Mazzetti|title=New Estimate of Strength of Al Qaeda Is Offered|date=June 30, 2010|access-date=2017-02-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170804132742/http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/01/world/asia/01qaeda.html?_r=0|archive-date=2017-08-04|url-status=live}}</ref>
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| |partof = {{flagicon image|Flag of Jihad.svg}} [[al-Qaeda]]
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| |allies =
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| *{{flagicon image|Flag_of_Tehrik-i-Taliban.svg|25px}} [[Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan]]
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| *[[File:Flag of Caucasian Emirate.svg|25px]] [[Caucasus Emirate]]
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| *[[File:ShababFlag.svg|border|25px]] [[al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula]]
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| *[[File:ShababFlag.svg|25px]] [[Al-Shabaab (militant group)|Al-Shabaab]]
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| *{{flagicon image|Flag of Jihad.svg}} [[Muslim United Liberation Tigers of Assam]]
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| |opponents =
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| *{{flag|India}}<ref>{{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>{{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|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>{{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>
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| *{{flag|Pakistan}}<ref>{{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="Dawn News area studies archives, 2005">{{cite news|last=Raza |first=Syed Irfan |title=Al Qaeda's number three Faraj Al Libbi arrested |url=http://archives.dawn.com/2005/05/05/top1.htm |access-date=20 March 2019 |newspaper=Dawn News area studies archives, 2005 |date=5 May 2005 |url-status=dead |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="Pakisani army kills al-Qaeda leader who grew up in the US">{{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>
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| *{{flag|Bangladesh}}<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-bangladesh-attacks-idUSKCN0XN133|title=Al Qaeda affiliate says killed gay activist in Bangladesh|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>{{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>
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| *{{flag|Myanmar}}<ref name=indiatoday/>
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| *{{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>
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| |battles =
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| |url = {{ConditionalURL}}
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| |image_size = 260px
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| |groups =
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| |merger_of = Various Pakistani, Bangladeshi and Afghan Jihadist Factions<ref name="lwj05Sep"/>
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| }} | | }} |
| '''Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent''' ({{lang-ar-at|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 an [[Islamist]] [[militant organization]] which aims to fight the governments of [[Pakistan]],<ref name=indiatoday>{{cite news|title=Al Qaeda's 'India' wing an old plan|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/al-qaeda-india-wing-an-old-plan/1/382752.html|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> [[Afghanistan]], [[India]], [[Myanmar]] and [[Bangladesh]]<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}}</ref> in order to establish an [[Islamic state]]. The militant group has also stated its intentions to attack American targets in the Indian Subcontinent. This group is listed as a terrorist organization by the [[United Nations]], [[United States]], [[Canada]], [[India]] and [[Pakistan]].
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| == History ==
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| ===Before Al Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent===
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| Before coming together under AQIS, there were various jihadist factions operating in Pakistan, 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>
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| ===As Al Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent===
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| 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=NYTimes.com|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">{{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> 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"/>
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| 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 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> Ustad 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>
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| In July 2018, [[United States]] had designated Asim Umar a global terrorist.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://m.timesofindia.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}}</ref>
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| 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>
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| On 23 September 2019, Afghan officials announced that they had killed [[Asim Umar]], the head of al-Qaeda in 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}}</ref>
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| ==Relations with other Jihadist factions==
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| In October, a 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>{{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> The group offered to provide shelter to foreign fighters within AQIS as well as fight alongside it.
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| 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>
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| ==Media==
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| 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>
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| ===Statements===
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| Al Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent has released multiple statements, mainly via the Twitter account of Usama Mahmoud, the group's spokesperson.
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| On 13 September 2014, Usama Mahmoud claimed responsibility for the attempted raid on a Pakistani naval frigate and the assassination of [[Pakistani]] Brigader 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>{{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>
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| 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.
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| 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 to 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"/>
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| 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>
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| 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>
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| 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>
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| 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>
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| == Claimed, alleged and repudiated attacks ==
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| As of now, AQIS have carried out multiple terrorist attacks in [[Pakistan]] and [[Bangladesh]] -
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| *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>
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| *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>
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| *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|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>
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| * 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=live }}</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>
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| * In 7 April 2016, a blogger was stabbed to death in Bangladesh by some Islamist militias. AQIS claimed responsibility.<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|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=http://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>
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| * In 25 April 2016, AQIS claimed responsibility for the death of an [[LGBT|LGBT activist]] in [[Dhaka]], Bangladesh.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/apr/25/editor-bangladesh-first-lgbt-magazine-killed-reports-say-roopbaan|title=Founder of Bangladesh's first and only LGBT magazine killed|author=Saad Hammadi|work=the Guardian|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>{{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|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>
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| ==Criticism==
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| 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]]. But they could not emerge successful and Al Qaeda would not come out successful in Bangladesh despite their announcement.<ref name=":1" /></blockquote>
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| == See also ==
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| * [[al-Qaeda]]
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| * [[Shakil Auj]]
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| * [[Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind]]
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| == References ==
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| {{reflist|30em}}
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|
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| ==External links==
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| *[[Counter Extremism Project]] [http://www.counterextremism.com/threat/al-qaeda-indian-subcontinent-aqis profile]
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| {{Al-Qaeda direct franchises}}
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| {{US War on Terror}}
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|
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| [[Category:Anti-communist organizations]]
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| [[Category:Branches of al-Qaeda]]
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| [[Category:Jihadist groups in Bangladesh]]
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| [[Category:Jihadist groups in India]]
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| [[Category:Jihadist groups in Pakistan]]
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| [[Category:Organisations designated as terrorist by India]]
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| [[Category:Organizations designated as terrorist by the United States]]
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| [[Category:Organizations designated as terrorist by Canada]]
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| [[Category:Organisations designated as terrorist by Pakistan]]
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| [[Category:Organizations designated as terrorist in Asia]]
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