Surge in Urban Terror Weapons Seizures Raises Alarms in India
Hand Grenades, Pistols, Rockets: Urban Terror Weapons Dominate Q1 2026 Seizures | Exclusive
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In the first quarter of 2026, Indian security forces seized more hand grenades than in all of 2025, indicating a troubling trend towards compact, high-casualty weapons for urban attacks. This includes 203 hand grenades, 75 pistols, and 61 rockets, raising concerns about the growing threat to urban centers from Indo-Pakistan and Indo-Bangladesh borders.
- 01Security forces recovered 203 hand grenades in Q1 2026, surpassing 2025's total of 185.
- 02Pistol seizures in Q1 2026 reached 75, matching or exceeding totals from previous years.
- 03The recovery of rockets and improvised bombs is on track to double last year's figures.
- 04The trend indicates a shift towards weapons that are easily concealed and capable of mass casualties.
- 05Despite lower overall weapon seizure numbers, the specific rise in urban weapons is alarming.
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In the first three months of 2026, Indian security forces have reported a significant increase in the recovery of urban terror weapons, particularly hand grenades, pistols, and rockets. The Border Security Force (BSF) recovered 203 hand grenades, exceeding the 185 seized in all of 2025. This alarming trend suggests a shift towards compact, high-casualty weapons that are easier to conceal and deploy in urban environments. In addition to hand grenades, 75 pistols were seized, matching or surpassing annual totals from previous years. The recovery of 61 rockets and improvised bombs in Q1 2026 indicates a potential doubling of last year's figures, raising concerns about pre-positioning for attacks on crowded public spaces. While total weapons seized in Q1 2026 are lower than previous years, the specific rise in urban-targeted weapons highlights a growing threat that security forces need to address urgently.
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The rise in urban terror weapons threatens public safety in Indian cities, necessitating enhanced security measures and preparedness from local police forces.
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