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Document #2145062
USDOS – US Department of State (Author)
Akaal-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent; Qaedat al-Jihad in the Indian Subcontinent.
Description: AQIS was designated as an FTO on July 1, 2016. Established in 2014, AQIS focuses on terrorist activity in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan and maintains longstanding ties with the Taliban. A joint U.S.-Afghan military operation killed AQIS head Asim Umar in 2019. Usama Mehmood led AQIS in 2024. The group has pledged allegiance to Taliban leader Haybatullah Akundzada to secure its safe haven in Afghanistan.
Activities: In August 2024, AQIS issued a statement calling for participation in international jihad after Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was ousted. AQIS did not claim responsibility for any attacks in 2024.
Strength: AQIS was estimated to have up to 400 members.
Location/Area of Operations: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan.
Funding and External Aid: AQIS likely received funding from al-Qa’ida senior leadership and engaged in general criminal activity, kidnapping, and extortion.
Country Report on Terrorism 2024 - Chapter 1 - Bangladesh (Periodical Report, English)
Country Report on Terrorism 2024 - Chapter 1 - India (Periodical Report, English)
Country Report on Terrorism 2024 - Chapter 1 - Pakistan (Periodical Report, English)
Country Report on Terrorism 2024- Chapter 3 - Afghanistan (Periodical Report, English)
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