May 19, 2025
In a significant development in international counter-terrorism cooperation, Indonesia has deported two individuals suspected of having ties to the Islamic State (ISIS) to India. The suspects, identified as Abdullah Faiyaz Shaikh and Talha Khan, were arrested upon their arrival in Mumbai after being sent back from Jakarta, where they had been in hiding. Both are believed to be members of an ISIS-linked sleeper cell operating in Maharashtra.
The deportation comes in the wake of India’s recent military actions, including airstrikes on terrorist camps and air bases in Pakistan, following a deadly attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Kashmir. This move underscores Indonesia’s support for India’s efforts to combat terrorism and its commitment to regional security.
Abdullah Shaikh and Talha Khan were previously involved in the assembly and testing of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in Pune, Maharashtra, as part of a broader conspiracy to destabilize India and promote ISIS’s extremist ideology. Their arrest marks a significant step in dismantling ISIS’s sleeper cells in the region.
Indonesia’s actions reflect a growing commitment to countering terrorism and extremism, aligning with India’s broader efforts to strengthen international partnerships in the fight against global terror networks.
The collaboration between India and Indonesia in this matter highlights the importance of regional cooperation in addressing shared security challenges and combating the threat of terrorism.
