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Delhi Police on high alert after intelligence warns of possible terror threat to Israeli, Jewish sites during Hanukkah

Officials cautioned that groups such as Shia militias, Islamic State (IS), Al-Qaeda, and their regional affiliates could be planning attacks targeting Israeli and Jewish interests worldwide, including in India.

Delhi PoliceIn Delhi, the Special Cell of the police has directed all 15 district units, as well as the Delhi Metro and Railway police, to conduct immediate security reviews at sensitive locations. (File photo/ANI)

The Delhi Police have stepped up security across Israeli and Jewish establishments in the national capital following an intelligence warning of possible terror threats during the ongoing Hanukkah festival, observed from December 14 to 21.

The latest warning comes in the wake of a December 14 terror attack in Sydney, Australia, where 15 people were killed during a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach. Two gunmen, identified as Sajid Akram, 50, and his son, Naveed, 24, were identified as those behind the Bondi Beach attack, which has raised concerns among international security agencies about coordinated threats to Jewish communities.

According to officials, the alert, issued by central intelligence agencies, cautioned that groups such as Shia militias, Islamic State (IS), Al-Qaeda, and their regional affiliates could be planning attacks targeting Israeli and Jewish interests worldwide, including in India.

In Delhi, the Special Cell of the police has directed all 15 district units, as well as the Delhi Metro and Railway police, to conduct immediate security reviews at sensitive locations.

“These include the Israeli embassy and consular offices, synagogues, Jewish community centres, Chabad houses, and popular tourist destinations frequented by Israeli nationals. Field formations have been asked to maintain extra vigil, especially around large gatherings, religious events, and sensitive premises,” a senior police officer said.

“Periodic security reviews and coordination meetings are being held at the district level to ensure preparedness,” the officer said.

Authorities have also strengthened security at hotels, restaurants, and business establishments associated with Israeli interests in the city. Quick Response Teams (QRTs) have been placed on standby for immediate deployment, officials said.

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“Following the alert, patrol frequency has been increased, and additional deployment has been made at vulnerable points,” the officer added.

Apart from Delhi, major metropolitan areas, including Mumbai and Goa, both of which host significant Israeli tourist and business activity, are under special watch. Police units in these regions have been instructed to intensify surveillance around community centres and tourist hotspots.

Mahender Singh Manral is an Assistant Editor with the national bureau of The Indian Express. He is known for his impactful and breaking stories. He covers the Ministry of Home Affairs, Investigative Agencies, National Investigative Agency, Central Bureau of Investigation, Law Enforcement Agencies, Paramilitary Forces, and internal security. Prior to this, Manral had extensively reported on city-based crime stories along with that he also covered the anti-corruption branch of the Delhi government for a decade. He is known for his knack for News and a detailed understanding of stories. He also worked with Mail Today as a senior correspondent for eleven months. He has also worked with The Pioneer for two years where he was exclusively covering crime beat. During his initial days of the career he also worked with The Statesman newspaper in the national capital, where he was entrusted with beats like crime, education, and the Delhi Jal Board. A graduate in Mass Communication, Manral is always in search of stories that impact lives. ... Read More

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