New Delhi: In a forceful response to last month’s terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 tourists, India launched Operation Sindoor, carrying out 24 precision cruise missile strikes on nine key terror locations across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Intelligence indicated that the attackers had clear cross-border affiliations.
The missile strikes targeted major terror infrastructure operated by groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM). The targeted locations—Muzaffarabad, Kotli, Bahawalpur, Rawalakot, Chakswari, Bhimber, Neelum Valley, Jhelum, and Chakwal—have long been identified as major hubs of militant activity, according to Indian defence sources.
Here are key details of the nine terror targets:
1. Markaz Subhan Allah (JeM) – Bahawalpur, Punjab
Located on National Highway-5 near Bahawalpur, this 15-acre complex is the main operational HQ of JeM. It houses top leaders including Maulana Masood Azhar and Mufti Abdul Rauf Asghar. It served as a key training ground for the Pulwama attack perpetrators and continues to host weapons and religious training sessions.
2. Markaz Taiba (LeT) – Muridke, Punjab
The largest LeT training base, spread over 82 acres, this facility includes religious schools, living quarters, arms training grounds, and even a fish farm. It is where 26/11 attackers like Ajmal Kasab were trained. Osama bin Laden reportedly funded infrastructure within the facility.
3. Sarjal/Tehra Kalan Facility (JeM) – Shakargarh, Narowal District, Punjab
Hidden inside a government primary health centre, this base is used for launching infiltrations into India via cross-border tunnels. It’s been a central point for drone operations delivering arms and narcotics into Jammu and Kashmir.
4. Mehmoona Joya Facility (HM) – Head Marala, Sialkot
Used by Hizbul Mujahideen for infiltrating terrorists into Jammu, this camp is tied to several major attacks, including the 1995 Jammu stadium bombing. Weapons training and infiltration logistics are handled here by known figures like Irfan Tanda.
5. Markaz Ahle Hadith (LeT) – Barnala, PoJK
Strategically located near the LoC, this facility facilitates infiltration into the Poonch-Rajouri-Reasi sector. It has been connected to attacks in Rajouri and Reasi in 2023 and 2024. Top LeT operatives like Qasim Gujjar and Khubaib operate from this markaz.
6. Markaz Abbas (JeM) – Kotli, PoJK
This heavily guarded facility near a military camp hosts up to 125 JeM terrorists. It is led by Qari Zarrar, a top JeM commander wanted in the 2016 Nagrota attack. It also stores weapons and manages fundraising for JeM.
7. Maskar Raheel Shahid (HM) – Kotli, PoJK
One of HM’s oldest training camps, located in dense forests, this facility provides specialised training in sniping, mountain warfare, and BAT operations. It can house up to 200 terrorists and is currently supervised by Abu Maaz and Abdul Rehman.
8. Shawai Nallah Camp (LeT) – Muzaffarabad, PoJK
Also known as Bait-ul-Mujahideen, this well-established LeT camp offers religious and arms training. It hosts over 40 rooms, training grounds, and is used for both new recruit induction and advanced combat refreshers. Pakistani Army trainers reportedly support its operations.
9. Syedna Bilal Markaz (JeM) – Muzaffarabad, PoJK
Situated opposite Muzaffarabad’s Red Fort, this complex acts as JeM’s main transit and training hub in PoJK. Operated by Mufti Asghar Khan Kashmiri, it also hosts fugitive Indian terrorists and has been used for SSG-supported training activities.
India has stated that these strikes were a measured response intended to neutralize active terror threats and deter future cross-border terrorism. Defence sources emphasized that only terror infrastructure was targeted, avoiding civilian areas.
