A powerful explosion near Delhi’s Red Fort on November 10, 2025, killed nine people and is now linked to the use of Ammonium-Nitrate Fuel-Oil (ANFO), according to investigative sources.
Key Takeaways
- Delhi blast near Red Fort killed 9, injured over 20 on November 10, 2025
- ANFO explosive identified as primary material used in the attack
- Ammonium nitrate is a common fertilizer that becomes explosive when mixed with fuel oil
- Authorities suspect fidayeen-style terror attack with lone suspect Dr Mohammad Umar
What is Ammonium Nitrate and ANFO?
Ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3) is a white crystalline substance widely used as agricultural fertilizer. In its pure form, it’s stable and non-explosive. However, when combined with fuel oil, it transforms into ANFO – a powerful industrial explosive.
ANFO typically contains 94% ammonium nitrate and 6% fuel oil. The ammonium nitrate acts as an oxidizing agent while the fuel oil serves as combustible material. The mixture is relatively safe to handle and transport until triggered by a high-energy detonator.
Why ANFO Creates Such Violent Explosions
The destructive power of ANFO comes from the rapid chemical reaction between ammonium nitrate and fuel oil when ignited. This reaction produces massive volumes of hot gases – nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and steam – within microseconds.
ANFO detonates at approximately 3,200 meters per second, generating a powerful shockwave capable of significant structural damage. The explosion also releases toxic gases including carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides, increasing the danger to human life.
ANFO in Terror Attacks
The accessibility, low cost, and effectiveness of ANFO have made it a preferred choice for terrorist groups creating improvised explosive devices (IEDs). While stable during storage, once detonated, it creates widespread destruction as witnessed in the Delhi blast.
Forensic evidence points to ANFO and detonators used in what authorities suspect was a fidayeen-style attack. The prime suspect, Dr Mohammad Umar, was reportedly alone in the explosive-laden Hyundai i20 and has connections to a recently busted terror module in Faridabad.
In India, ammonium nitrate is strictly regulated under explosive laws, with any mixture containing over 45% ammonium nitrate classified as an explosive.
The chemical synergy between ammonium nitrate and fuel oil makes ANFO both an essential industrial tool and a dangerous weapon when misused. The Delhi tragedy underscores the critical need for stringent controls and enhanced security measures around these substances.
