Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba 'plotting' IED attack in Delhi's Chandni Chowk area: Report
Times of India
by TOI CITY DESKFebruary 21, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
An intelligence alert has been issued in New Delhi following reports of a potential terrorist threat near the Red Fort, with concerns that the Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) may be planning an improvised explosive device (IED) attack. Sources indicate that the group is targeting a temple in the Chandni Chowk area as part of its efforts to avenge a February 2023 mosque blast in Islamabad, which killed seven people. Intelligence inputs suggest that prominent religious sites, including areas around the Red Fort and parts of Chandni Chowk, are on LeT's radar for possible attacks.
The threat comes amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, with both countries exchanging blame over security concerns. Indian authorities have not confirmed specific details of the alleged plot but have bolstered security arrangements in and around sensitive locations in the national capital. This includes increased surveillance and patrols near key religious sites and public spaces.
Context adds depth to the situation: In November 2025, a car loaded with explosives detonated near Gate No. 1 of the Red Fort Metro Station, killing 15 people and injuring scores more. The investigation into that incident is ongoing under the National Investigation Agency (NIA), which recently sought an extension of its probe period. Seven suspects remain in judicial custody as authorities work to unravel the connections between the November blast and the current security alert.
The potential attack highlights the persistent threat posed by LeT, a group with a history of targeting India's religious and cultural landmarks. If carried out, such an attack could further strain relations between India and Pakistan and underscore the broader instability in South Asia. For readers interested in global security and geopolitical tensions, this underscores the ongoing risks posed by terrorism and the need for robust counter
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/21/2026