In an anti-terror operation, police in Hyderabad and Andhra Pradesh arrested two men allegedly linked to an ISIS terror module and foiled a major bomb plot targeting the city.
The suspects, identified as Siraj Ur Rehman (29) and Syed Sameer (28), were apprehended during a coordinated intelligence-led crackdown on Sunday, May 18, according to reports.
Joint Operation Uncovers Sleeper Cell Activity
The counter-intelligence units of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh carried out the arrests following a credible tip-off. Rehman was the first to be detained in Vizianagaram, Andhra Pradesh, after which his interrogation led investigators to Sameer’s location in Hyderabad. The arrests resulted in the seizure of explosive substances including ammonia, sulphur, and aluminium powder from the suspects’ premises, as per a report by NDTV.
Authorities suspect the duo were acting under the guidance of handlers linked to an ISIS network operating out of Saudi Arabia. Both men are currently in custody and will be presented in court shortly, according to the police.
The arrests come amid heightened national security concerns following the deadly April 22 terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, which claimed 26 lives. The Centre had subsequently alerted states about the potential activation of sleeper cells, urging increased surveillance and preventive action.
Rising Indo-Pak Tensions and Operation Sindoor
The Hyderabad arrests occurred in the wake of Operation Sindoor, a military offensive launched by India between May 7 and 8 to neutralise terror bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK). The operation was India’s response to the Pahalgam massacre.
Following this retaliatory action, India also suspended the Indus Waters Treaty and expelled Pakistani nationals from the country. Bilateral relations further deteriorated with a brief exchange of cross-border strikes before a ceasefire agreement was reached four days later.
