New Delhi, Jan 28 (NationPress) The Al Qaeda in the Sub-Continent (AQIS) has developed a new tactic for operations within India. Initially focused on high-profile assassinations, AQIS has recognized that the probability of success in such endeavors is quite low.

According to intelligence reports, members of the module have opted to shift their attention to ordinary citizens, whom they perceive as easier targets due to the lack of protective measures surrounding them, unlike prominent individuals.

An official revealed that AQIS operates through multiple modules, each receiving directives from top leadership to execute large-scale attacks on common individuals. Chatter intercepted by intelligence agencies indicates that AQIS has established several hit squads in states like Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Uttar Pradesh. These squads are tasked with executing random killings, which they plan to replicate in other regions as well.

Another official noted that AQIS aims to emulate the tactics previously employed by the Popular Front of India (PFI) before it was banned. The PFI had also utilized hit squads targeting ordinary people, intending to instill fear within the populace. Random killings, devoid of justification, serve to create panic and terror in society, which is the primary goal of AQIS.

Moreover, AQIS is actively searching for former PFI members who have gone into hiding since the group's prohibition. Individuals from hit or dawah squads are in high demand, as AQIS believes that incorporating these experienced members will simplify their operations. Having undergone extensive training during their time with the PFI, they require no further radicalization or preparation.

Counter-terrorism agencies are closely monitoring this recruitment process to prevent any such initiatives from succeeding. While the PFI attempts to revive its presence, many believe this will be more challenging than anticipated. Terror organizations like AQIS and the Islamic State are poised to capitalize on this situation by recruiting former PFI affiliates, according to one official.

This week, the Gujarat Anti Terrorist Squad (ATS) dismantled a module that was planning to execute a hit job in Uttar Pradesh. The suspect, Faizan from Rampur in Uttar Pradesh, had relocated to Navsari and was plotting attacks against ordinary citizens in UP, as per ATS findings.

In addition to inciting fear, Faizan was also working to propagate AQIS's agenda. The ATS discovered that he had secured weapons and identified potential targets. Besides targeted killings, AQIS has circulated distorted maps as propaganda, one titled 'Muslim Territories Currently Under Kuffar Occupation.'

Authorities have found that AQIS has been photographing random individuals across various states, sharing their images along with locations to facilitate these attacks. No specific individual is solely responsible for executing these hits.

AQIS claims that anyone who supports their cause and possesses the capability is free to target these ordinary citizens. Counter-terrorism officials are operating at full capacity to identify and dismantle these modules. The emergence of this terror group targeting ordinary individuals is a matter of serious concern as any success could lead to unprecedented societal damage, according to officials.