India warns of al-Qaida terror plots against Israeli tourists during holiday season

Indian intelligence officials have learned that al-Qaida elements and other fanatic groups may be planning to commit terrorist attacks against Israeli and Jewish targets in advance of the anticipated influx of tourists during the upcoming holiday season, according to news reports.India has traditionally been a popular destination for Israeli hikers and backpackers, particularly during the Jewish holiday season. Israelis are known to congregate in the dozens of Chabad-operated community centers in the country, where they celebrate the holidays and observe religious customs. Last week, Indian authorities learned that al-Qaida operatives have established sleeper cells throughout the country. According to reports, intelligence services believe that the organization is planning attacks, with Israeli and Jewish institutions high on the list of at-risk targets.Al-Qaida leader Ayman al-Zawahiri released a videotape declaring the organization’s intention to wage jihad on the Indian subcontinent. Earlier this year, Indian authorities obtained information indicating that Pakistani intelligence services were in the planning stages of organizing a terrorist attack against the Israeli mission in Bengaluru as well as the American consulate in Chennai, according to the Times of India.According to the report, Indian security agencies learned of the plot after interrogating a Sri Lankan national who was allegedly hired by a Pakistani official to conduct reconnaissance of the two diplomatic missions.In 2012, the wife of a Defense Ministry official stationed at the embassy in India was wounded when a bomb exploded in her car as she drove near the prime minister’s residence in New Delhi.