Alleged JeM Operatives Received AK-47 and Explosives Training
The Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has arrested several alleged Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) operatives who were reportedly trained in handling AK-47 rifles, assembling improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and carrying out other terror-related activities. Investigators claim the module had also experimented with rudimentary biochemical methods alongside conventional explosives, pointing to an evolving pattern of radicalisation and technical training. The case is being viewed as one of the most significant counter-terrorism operations in recent years, exposing a network that allegedly combined ideological indoctrination with practical terror preparedness.
A Growing JeM-Linked Network
The investigation began with coordinated ATS operations across Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh on July 3, leading to the arrest of eight alleged JeM operatives. The probe later expanded, taking the total number of arrests to 13, all believed to be linked to the same terror module.
According to investigators, several of the accused were students at the Jamia Abul Hasan Madrasa in Khadiyasan village of Patan district. Since 2023, they were allegedly exposed to radical sermons, videos and literature associated with JeM founder Masood Azhar before progressing to lessons on bomb-making, detonation mechanisms and other terror techniques. Police allege that the network gradually transformed from ideological indoctrination into an organised training module.
The ATS claims that at least two accused travelled to Jammu and Kashmir, where they allegedly received specialised training in operating AK-47 assault rifles under JeM-linked handlers.
Investigators further allege that the group was taught nearly 40 terror techniques, including timer-based IED assembly, concealment methods and even rudimentary biochemical tactics. Among the more alarming allegations is training to generate toxic carbon monoxide gas using commonly available organic materials, reflecting an attempt to explore low-cost methods capable of causing civilian casualties.
Bomb Tests and Procurement of Explosive Materials
According to the ATS, the suspects conducted bomb-blast trials at eight different locations between 2023 and February 2026, mostly in isolated agricultural fields, riverbanks and other remote areas to avoid detection.
The accused allegedly procured chemicals such as potassium nitrate, sulphur and charcoal through online platforms and local markets to manufacture explosive mixtures. They also acquired metal pipes, timers, detonators and electrical wiring for assembling IEDs.
Following the tests, investigators claim the group attempted to destroy evidence by disposing of wires, chemical residues and other components in public garbage bins. Some of these materials were later recovered by forensic teams, providing investigators with physical evidence supporting the ongoing probe.
Latest Developments and Security Concerns
The investigation recently widened with the arrest of five more suspects from Patan and Banaskantha districts. According to the ATS, these individuals participated in bomb-making sessions, IED trials and closed-door meetings where extremist ideology and methods of carrying out attacks were allegedly discussed.
Investigators also claim the module-maintained links with handlers, including an overseas-based operative identified as "Abdullah", and had begun moving from training towards operational preparedness through repeated field exercises.
A Reminder of Evolving Terror Challenges
The Gujarat ATS investigation underscores the changing nature of terror networks, where ideological radicalisation is increasingly combined with structured technical training, online procurement and cross-regional linkages. The allegations suggest that such modules may seek to build operational capability gradually through experimentation before attempting attacks. If established during the investigation and judicial process, the case would highlight the importance of early intelligence gathering, inter-state coordination and preventive counter-terrorism measures. It also reinforces the need for agencies to treat training and radicalisation networks with the same urgency as active terror plots, as the gap between preparation and execution continues to narrow.
(With agency inputs)
