Hyderabad ISIS Terror Plot Foiled: Two Arrested with Explosives in Joint Operation

Hyderabad/Vizianagaram, May 19: In a major anti-terror breakthrough, security agencies in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh foiled a planned ISIS-linked terror attack in Hyderabad, arresting two suspects and seizing explosive materials. The suspects were allegedly planning large-scale bomb blasts in the city under the direction of handlers based in Saudi Arabia.

The arrested individuals have been identified as Siraj Ur Rehman (29) and Syed Sameer (28). Their capture followed a coordinated intelligence-led operation on Sunday, May 18. Authorities confirmed that the suspects were linked to an ISIS sleeper cell and were preparing for a major terror strike in the city.

According to police sources, Rehman was initially detained in Vizianagaram, Andhra Pradesh. His interrogation led officials to Sameer, who was subsequently arrested in Hyderabad. A cache of explosive materials—including ammonia, sulphur, and aluminium powder—was recovered during searches at the suspects’ locations.

Investigators believe the accused were being guided remotely by ISIS handlers operating out of Saudi Arabia, indicating a broader international terror nexus. Both suspects remain in custody and are expected to be presented in court shortly.

The arrests come in the aftermath of the deadly April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives. In response, the Centre had issued a nationwide alert to step up vigilance against sleeper cells and terrorist modules across the country.

The foiled Hyderabad plot coincides with heightened tensions between India and Pakistan. Earlier this month, India launched Operation Sindoor—a targeted military offensive on May 7 and 8 aimed at dismantling terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK). This operation was a direct response to the Pahalgam massacre.

Following Operation Sindoor, India took several diplomatic measures, including suspending the Indus Waters Treaty and expelling Pakistani nationals. Cross-border exchanges briefly escalated before a ceasefire was agreed upon four days later.

With security concerns mounting, authorities are urging enhanced surveillance and public cooperation to prevent any further threats. Intelligence and law enforcement agencies remain on high alert, with a renewed focus on dismantling extremist networks operating within and beyond Indian borders.