India has successfully disrupted what could have been one of history’s most devastating terror attacks. Security forces have thwarted a massive plot involving 32 explosive-laden vehicles, carrying a combined total of 3,200 kilograms of deadly materials. This “white-collar” terror network aimed for synchronized attacks that would have caused unparalleled destruction and loss of life.
The gravity of the uncovered scheme is immense. Intelligence agencies discovered a cache of 3,200 kilograms of explosives, enough to construct 32 powerful car bombs. Each vehicle was intended to be a mobile instrument of mass destruction, packed with approximately 100 kg of ammonium nitrate, significantly amplifying their destructive power.
Experts have outlined the catastrophic consequences had this plot succeeded. A coordinated detonation of 3,200 kg of explosives would generate a blast equivalent to 2.5 kilotons of TNT. This would result in complete annihilation within a 50-meter radius, immediate fatalities from the blast wave, and severe structural damage to buildings up to 150 meters away. Such an event would dwarf historical incidents like the Oklahoma City bombing (1,800 kg explosives, 168 fatalities) and the Mumbai serial blasts (1,500 kg explosives, 257 fatalities), positioning this foiled plot as potentially the deadliest ever.
However, the operation’s success is tempered by ongoing concerns. A significant portion of the explosives—300 kg out of 3,200 kg—is still missing. Furthermore, only three of the 32 vehicles intended for the attack have been recovered. Locating the remaining 29 vehicles is critical to identifying all members of the terror cell and preventing future attempts. The nation’s safety was secured through rapid intelligence work, but continued alertness is crucial.