A catastrophic terror event was narrowly prevented in India with the discovery of an elaborate plot involving 32 explosive-laden vehicles and 3,200 kilograms of powerful ammonium nitrate. This sophisticated terror operation, orchestrated by what is being termed a “white-collar” module, threatened to unleash a wave of destruction that could have redefined the scale of global terrorism.
The chilling details uncovered by intelligence agencies point to a meticulously planned attack designed to maximize casualties and societal disruption. Thirty-two vehicles were earmarked to be transformed into mobile bombs, each carrying around 100 kg of explosives. The sheer volume of seized explosives is immense, capable of leveling entire neighborhoods and inflicting widespread devastation.
Analysts have assessed the potential destructive power of such an attack. A single 3,200 kg ammonium nitrate detonation is equivalent to a 2.5-ton TNT blast. Such an explosion would completely annihilate everything within a 50-meter radius, while shockwaves traveling at incredible speeds would cause immediate fatal injuries. Buildings would collapse nearby, and windows would shatter for hundreds of meters, with tremors felt almost a kilometer away.
Comparing this plot to historical attacks highlights its terrifying potential. The Oklahoma City Bombing, which involved 1,800 kg of explosives, resulted in 168 deaths. The 1993 Mumbai bombings, using 1,500 kg, caused 257 fatalities. This Indian plot, with over double the explosives, could have led to an unprecedented death toll, dwarfing previous terror incidents worldwide.
While security forces have made substantial arrests and seizures, the operation is not entirely complete. Approximately 300 kg of explosives remain missing, and 29 of the 32 vehicles planned for the attack have not yet been located. These missing elements pose an ongoing concern, suggesting potential residual threats or the possibility of escaped operatives. Continued vigilance and thorough investigation are essential to neutralize any remaining dangers and dismantle the terror network completely.