IED discoveries in Punjab and Kashmir; Intelligence points to potential LeT attack in Delhi

New Delhi: Two improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were recovered in Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir on Friday as security agencies sounded a high alert over a suspected Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terror plot targeting Delhi.

While authorities have not officially linked the IED recoveries to the intelligence warning, the near-simultaneous incidents have heightened security concerns.

An IED was found near a police post in Amritsar

In Punjab, an IED was discovered inside a suspicious bag near the Rayya police post in Amritsar. Police said the bomb disposal squad was immediately deployed to the scene and safely defused the device.

“A suspicious bag was spotted close to the police chowki. The bomb disposal squad was called and confirmed it was an IED. As per protocol, it was defused,” SSP Sohail Qasim Mir said.

Second IED detected in Ganderbal, Kashmir

On the same day, another IED was detected at Safapora in Jammu and Kashmir’s Ganderbal district. The Army’s bomb detection squad, along with the J&K Police, neutralised the device within hours.

This marks the third IED recovery in North Kashmir within a week. On Thursday, security forces detected explosive devices on Tangmarg Road and in Baramulla district, underscoring concerns over heightened militant activity in the region.

Lashkar terror plot warning in Delhi

The recoveries come amid intelligence inputs warning of a possible terror attack in the national capital by the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba. Security agencies have indicated that religious sites and tourist hotspots in Delhi could be potential targets.

Sources said the Hafiz Saeed-led outfit may be attempting to avenge the Feb 6 suicide blast at a mosque in Islamabad that killed more than 30 people. However, the Islamic State had claimed responsibility for that attack.

Intelligence inputs suggest that a temple in Old Delhi’s Chandni Chowk area could be among the possible targets. Security agencies are also monitoring sensitive locations, including areas near the Red Fort, amid fears of a possible IED attack.

The Red Fort was targeted three months ago in a deadly car explosion near the historic monument that left 12 people dead and more than 20 injured. Investigators had linked the blast to a white-collar terror module allegedly backed by Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind. A recent United Nations counter-terrorism monitoring report also flagged Jaish’s connection to the Red Fort explosion.

Also Read | Intel inputs flag terror threat to religious sites in Delhi; Red Fort area under watch: Reports

Security tightened across Delhi

Following the latest terror alert, security has been intensified around major temples, crowded marketplaces and tourist attractions across Delhi, including the Red Fort. Police and paramilitary forces have increased surveillance, vehicle checks and anti-sabotage operations to prevent any potential terror strike.

Authorities continue to investigate the IED recoveries in Punjab and Kashmir while maintaining heightened vigilance in the national capital.