Possibility of ISIS attack in Kochi, 30 under surveillance, says intelligence

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A secret investigating report mentioned that Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) is likely to target shopping malls in Kochi. It is learnt that the ISIS have chosen shopping malls and some other important centres for the attacks in Kochi. The letter mentioning all these has been handed over to police officials.

According to reports, ISIS is keeping an eye on the Indian Ocean region after facing setbacks from strongholds such as Iraq and Syria. The report says their new strategy is to return those who have joined ISIS to their respective countries and then carry out the attack.

The intelligence has handed three letters to the police related to it. One of the letter has pointed chances of a terror attack in Kochi. Cyber activities in connection with ISIS are active in the country and so the attacks can occur any time.

Kerala is one of the most powerful states having the presence of ISIS. Jammu Kashmir, Telangana and Andhra are the other states. They communicate mostly through telegram messenger. The letter handed over to the police claimed that they are using some apps for communication fearing leak of details.

India and Sri Lanka are the new terrorist targets. Almost 100 from Kerala had left the country getting attracted to the ideas of ISIS. The report quoting police officers said they were able to de-radicalise 3000 people from terrorist ideologies through continuous counselling held in 21 counselling centres. They are still under surveillance. Majority of them are from northern Kerala.

Reports say 30 are under surveillance after the terror attacks witnessed in Sri Lanka which claimed 250 people.