The NIA has arrested seven foreign nationals, including an American, in connection with a terrorist plot against India. A thorough investigation is underway into allegations of Myanmar connections, drone supplies, and training for militant groups.

Indian security agencies have uncovered a major international terrorist network. Seven foreign nationals, including an American citizen, have been arrested in connection with the case. Six Ukrainian citizens are also among them. According to sources, all of them are accused of conspiring to commit terrorist acts against India. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has registered a case under Section 18 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The FIR was filed on March 13th on the instructions of the Ministry of Home Affairs.

The accused named in the investigation include American citizen Matthew Aaron VanDyke, along with six Ukrainian citizens: Hurba Petro, Sliwiec Taras, Ivan Sukmanovsky, Stefankiv Marian, Honcharuk Maksym, and Kamsky Viktor. Sources indicate that approximately 14 Ukrainian citizens visited India on tourist visas on various dates, raising concerns that the network may be even larger.

From Guwahati to Mizoram

According to investigating agencies, these foreign nationals first arrived in Guwahati and from there went to Mizoram. The most significant question here is that these individuals did not obtain the necessary RAP/PAP permits to travel to Mizoram. After this, they all illegally crossed the border and reached Myanmar. Mizoram shares a nearly 500-kilometer border with Myanmar's Chin and Rakhine states, which are considered a crucial link in this entire network. The investigation has revealed that these foreign nationals were in contact with Myanmar's Ethnic Armed Groups (EAGs).

It is alleged that these individuals were training these armed groups as part of a pre-planned scheme. The training included drone operation, drone assembly, and drone jamming techniques. Security agencies suspect that these groups may be linked to banned militant organizations active in India. Investigating agencies have also learned that the accused were transporting drones and related equipment from Europe to Myanmar via India. It is feared that these drones could have been used to carry out a major terrorist plot, making the matter even more serious.

Agencies conducted operations at various airports across the country and detained these foreign nationals. One American citizen was apprehended at Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport. Three Ukrainian citizens were detained at Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport. Three others were stopped at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport. According to sources, during interrogation, the accused admitted to illegally entering Myanmar via Mizoram. They also admitted to training militant groups on several occasions and helping to transport drone equipment from Europe to Myanmar.

Who is Matthew Van Dyke?

The name of American citizen Matthew Aaron VanDyke is the most prominent figure in this entire case. He reportedly has been active in international conflict zones and describes himself as a security analyst, war correspondent, and documentary filmmaker. During the Libyan civil war in 2011, he joined rebel fighters and served a brief prison term. He later founded the Sons of Liberty International (SOLI), which claims to provide training and strategic advice to armed groups in various countries.

According to NIA sources, these Myanmar armed groups provide weapons, technology, and training to banned militant organizations operating in India. Consequently, this network of foreign nationals could have posed a significant threat to India's border security. This case points to more than just a terrorist conspiracy, but also a larger international network. Investigative agencies are now conducting a thorough investigation into this entire network. Specifically, they are seeking answers to these questions.

• Does this network have any local connection in India?
• How were drones and other equipment being sent through India?
• What is the source of funding?
• Who all are connected through social media and digital platforms?

The agency is investigating every aspect of the case

Currently, all the accused are in NIA custody and are being continuously interrogated. The agency believes that further investigations may uncover more individuals involved in this network. While no official statement has yet been issued, information from sources has made the case extremely sensitive. Security agencies are investigating every angle to prevent any potential threats in a timely manner.

 PC:NDTV