Lone wolf attacks likely: MHA issues advisory to states to increase security

New Delhi: Intelligence agencies have warned that failing to get adequate “logistical support from sleeper cells” terror outfits, Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Tayeeba, were now planning a major lone wolf attack in the coming few days.

Following specific Intelligence inputs nearly 75 per cent of the elite NSG commandos have been kept on stand-by in key cities, including Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkatta to deal with any eventuality.

The home ministry had recently issued an advisory to all the states to increase security during the festive season. Following the surgical strikes, Intelligence inputs have revealed that terror outfits were getting “increasingly desperate” to conduct a major strike in an important city.

Now, sources claimed, further investigations have revealed that these terror organisations were not able to activate and get enough support from their local sleeper cells due to which execution of a strike by a bigger group was becoming a problem.

Thus, in a new modus operandi they were planning to use a lone wolf for the attack. Following a high state of alert and sustained pressure by security agencies which even led to the smashing of an Islamic State (ISIS) module in South India by NIA, it was  becoming increasing difficult for sleeper cells to reactivate themselves, sources added.

“Whenever a bigger terror attack is carried out normally the module comes from outside while the sleeper cells provide local support like providing a safe hideout and information regarding local targets. But since our security agencies were alert following the surgical strikes, the sleeper cells have been forced to lie low forcing a tactical shift in their strategy,” a senior Intelligence official said.

In view of the ongoing festive season, Intelligence agencies like the elite NSG have already positioned their commandos at “strategic locations” across the country.