TATP Trail Links Islamic State To Faridabad Module’s Delhi Attack
- Investigators Find Explosives Used in Delhi Blasts Match Islamic State Methods
- Afghan, Pakistan Ties and ISKP Role Examined in Delhi Red Fort Incident
Investigators are considering the possible involvement of the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) in the Faridabad module’s execution of the Delhi Red Fort blasts. This suspicion arises because the explosive used, Triacetone Triperoxide (TATP) mixed with Ammonium Nitrate, is favored by the Islamic State. Notably, the same combination has been used by the terror group in global attacks, including those in Paris, Manchester, and Brussels. Meanwhile, officials previously established that the Faridabad module received instructions from a handler based in Afghanistan.
Now, the investigative team is working to determine whether this handler from Afghanistan coordinated with ISKP to prepare the explosive that the Faridabad module employed. One official stated, “This possibility cannot be ruled out.” This case marks the first known instance of an Indian or Pakistani module utilizing such a mixture for a bombing.
The Islamic State has significant experience making TATP-based explosives. Officials explain that ISKP may have participated due to its recent relationship with Pakistan. ISKP and Pakistan developed a connection because both are opposed to the Afghan Taliban.
Tensions between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban are at an all-time low. Both governments have yet to resolve their ongoing issues. Pakistan accuses the Afghan Taliban of supporting the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which has carried out armed attacks against Pakistani forces. Meanwhile, ISKP, which seeks to depose the Taliban in Afghanistan, has not succeeded, leading it to form a truce with Pakistan.
The TATP and ammonium nitrate mix has become a staple for the Islamic State. The group often uses this mix for attacks by lone actors because it is relatively simple to make.
Unlike TNT, RDX, or PETN, this combination usually avoids attracting the attention of security agencies and can be transported without much risk. It does not require extensive training to assemble; someone with online help could create a crude IED. Therefore, it eliminates the need for traditional terrorist training camps. Individuals assembling these bombs often evade detection by authorities.
Although creating this mix is not complicated, it proves highly lethal when detonated. Ammonium nitrate serves as a common agricultural fertilizer, providing high nitrogen content, while TATP is a highly sensitive and unstable homemade explosive rarely used for legal purposes due to its danger.
Combining TATP with ammonium nitrate increases the explosive potential even further. The blast at Nowgam police station, stemming from seized ammonium nitrate that became volatile, demonstrated the dangers of improper handling. After investigators broke up the Faridabad module, the ammonium nitrate stored by suspects reached a hazardous state and, as police reported, caused an accidental explosion. Authorities said there was no further dimension to the incident.
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