New Delhi: In a significant counter-terrorism operation, India launched precision strikes on nine terror infrastructure sites located across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu & Kashmir (PoJK) under “Operation Sindoor”. The operation, conducted jointly by the Indian Army, Air Force, and Navy, targeted key facilities used by terror outfits including Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), and Hizbul Mujahideen (HM).
According to official sources, all nine intended targets were successfully hit with special precision munitions in a coordinated nighttime assault. Prime Minister Narendra Modi reportedly monitored the operation in real time.
Overview of Targeted Facilities:
Markaz Subhan Allah – Bahawalpur (JeM HQ):
Operational since 2015, this is JeM’s main indoctrination and training hub, also housing top leadership including Masood Azhar and Mufti Abdul Rauf Asghar. The facility was previously linked to the 2019 Pulwama terror attack.
Markaz Taiba – Muridke (LeT HQ):
Established in 2000, this large-scale complex near Lahore is a key LeT training and radicalisation centre. It was used to train perpetrators of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, with funding once linked to Osama bin Laden.
Sarjal / Tehra Kalan – Narowal District:
A JeM-run launch pad operating from a government health facility, close to the international border. It is involved in tunnelling and drone-based infiltration into J&K, with active ISI oversight.
Mehmoona Joya Facility – Sialkot:
A Hizbul Mujahideen base operating from a government building. It serves as a launch point for infiltration into Jammu and offers weapons and tactical training to HM cadres.
Markaz Ahle Hadith Barnala – Bhimber (PoJK):
A significant LeT staging facility near the Poonch-Rajouri-Reasi sector. Hosts 100–150 cadres and coordinates infiltration and arms smuggling operations.
Markaz Abbas – Kotli (PoJK):
A JeM operational base directed by senior commander Qari Zarrar was involved in coordinating infiltration from Poonch-Rajouri. Can house up to 125 militants.
Maskar Raheel Shahid – Kotli (PoJK):
An HM camp offering specialised sniping and mountain warfare training. Accommodates 150–200 cadres and is used for high-altitude terrorist training.
Shawai Nallah Camp – Muzaffarabad (PoJK):
Also known as Bait-ul-Mujahideen, this LeT facility played a key role in training 26/11 attackers. Offers GPS, arms, and tactical training, with capacity for 200–250 cadres. Supported by Pakistan Army trainers.
Markaz Syedna Bilal – Muzaffarabad (PoJK):
JeM’s main PoJK facility, used as a transit and training camp. Headed by Mufti Asghar Khan Kashmiri, it hosts 50–100 terrorists and receives support from Pakistan’s Special Service Group (SSG).
Strategic and Political Context
These facilities were reportedly operating under the protection of Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and often concealed within government buildings or located near military sites. The Indian government accuses the ISI and Pakistan Army of providing direct logistical, financial, and doctrinal support to these groups.
This strike marks a major escalation in India’s counter-terrorism posture and comes after repeated provocations and infiltration attempts from across the border. Intelligence reports had earlier confirmed growing activity at these locations, prompting India’s swift and decisive action.