New Delhi | February 21, 2026: The heart of India’s capital is currently under a "massive security blanket" following specific intelligence inputs about a potential terror strike. On Saturday, security agencies sounded a high-level alarm for the Red Fort area and the bustling lanes of Chandni Chowk, warning that a major terror outfit is planning an IED (Improvised Explosive Device) attack.
Security forces have been stationed at every corner, and the atmosphere in Old Delhi is one of extreme caution. If you are planning to visit these areas today, here is everything you need to know about the current situation.
What Sparked the Red Fort Terror Alert?
Picture this: spies get a tip that enemies across the border want revenge. The alert kicked off around February 20, 2026, when intelligence folks picked up chatter about LeT planning a sneaky bomb attack. They're eyeing religious spots near Red Fort—like a key temple in Chandni Chowk—and other busy heritage areas. Why temples? LeT has a history of hitting places where lots of people gather to pray, aiming to spread panic
The Big Threat: Why Is the Red Fort Area Under Fire?
According to central intelligence agencies, the Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) has put Delhi’s heritage sites and religious places on its "hit list."
The specific warning received on February 21, 2026, suggests that terrorists might target a prominent temple in the Chandni Chowk area or the crowded spaces near the Red Fort.
Why now? Intelligence sources indicate that this plot is a retaliatory move. The group reportedly aims to "avenge" a blast that occurred at a mosque in Islamabad, Pakistan, on February 6. This has put the Indian security apparatus on its toes to prevent any "spillover" violence or reactive strikes within the country.
A Look Back: The November 2025 Connection
The current fear isn't just based on rumors. It stems from a dark memory. On November 10, 2025November 10, 2025, a deadly car explosion near the Red Fort Metro Station killed 12 people. That attack was carried out by a "white-collar" terror module involving educated professionals, including doctors.
Just last week, on February 13, 2026, a Special NIA Court extended the investigation period for that case, keeping seven accused in custody. The fear today is that "sleeper cells" might be trying to replicate that tragic event.
Massive Security Crackdown: What’s Happening on the Ground?
The Delhi Police, along with paramilitary forces, have turned the North and Central districts into a fortress. Here are the latest measures:
- Intense Surveillance: CCTV cameras with facial recognition technology are being monitored 24/7.
- Bomb Squads on Standby: Bomb disposal units and K9 (dog) squads are patrolling the Red Fort perimeter and Chandni Chowk markets.
- Checking at Borders: Vehicles entering Delhi from neighboring states are undergoing strict physical inspections.
- Anti-Drone Systems: After the 2025 car blast, the police have deployed advanced anti-drone technology to monitor the skies over the 17th-century monument.
How This Affects You: Travel and Business Updates
If you are a commuter or a tourist, expect some delays.
- Traffic Diversions: Many roads leading to Netaji Subhash Marg have been barricaded.
- Metro Vigilance: Security checks at the Lal Qila (Red Fort) and Jama Masjid metro stations are taking longer than usual.
- Market Impact: While markets remain open, shopkeepers have been asked to keep a close eye on their surroundings and not allow unauthorized parking in front of their shops.
The Global Context: Why Delhi is a Target
The security alert comes at a time when regional tensions are high. With the UNSC (United Nations Security Council) recently highlighting that groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed and LeT remain operational, India is taking no chances. The government's stance that "any act of terror will be treated as an act of war" has kept the military and police on a permanent state of readiness.
Who Are Lashkar-e-Taiba? A Simple Breakdown
LeT sounds like a secret club, but it's no game. Started by tough guys in Pakistan to fight in Kashmir, they've grown meaner. "Lashkar" means army in Urdu—their army of hate targets India. Famous for the 26/11 Mumbai attacks that killed 166, they've lost leaders to Indian strikes but keep plotting.​
Why Red Fort? It's iconic—Prime Minister hoists the flag here on August 15. Hitting it screams a message. LeT recruits online, hides in crowds, and loves IEDs: pressure-cooker bombs or phone-triggered packs. India labels them terrorists; Pakistan says they're not. UN bans them too. Their goal? Stir fear, divide people by faith. But India's counter-terror net, with apps like "My Bharat" for tips, fights back hard.
Beefed-Up Defenses: Tech and Teams in Action
Delhi Police's 50,000+ force splits shifts for 24-hour cover. NSG black cats drill mock blasts nearby. AI cams flag lone walkers or heavy bags—tech from Israel aids spotting. Border checks with Haryana ramp up, fearing infiltrators.
Expanding the Red Fort Terror Threat Coverage
Delhi's tension around Red Fort keeps building as security digs deeper into the Lashkar-e-Taiba plot. Fresh whispers from the ground on February 21, 2026, hint at more checkpoints popping up by evening. Families in nearby neighborhoods share quick updates on WhatsApp groups, while national leaders call for unity. This extra layer peels back how past scares shaped today's defenses and what locals endure daily
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