In a decisive counter-terrorism move, India has struck nine high-value terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) as part of Operation Sindoor, officials confirmed. The strikes, monitored at the highest levels of government, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, focused on key infrastructure used by terror groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), and Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) for training and infiltration into Indian territory.
High-Value Terror Targets Hit in Operation Sindoor
The precision air and artillery strikes targeted known terrorist facilities across Muzaffarabad, Kotli, Sialkot, Barnala, and Bahawalpur, with many of them previously linked to major attacks in India such as Pulwama (2019) and 26/11 Mumbai (2008).
1. Markaz Subhan Allah – Bahawalpur
Headquarters of JeM and home to its leadership, including Masood Azhar. The site has been directly linked to the 2019 Pulwama attack. Located just 90 km from the Indian border, it has served as a key hub for terror operations and recruitment.
2. Markaz Taiba – Muridke
A core Lashkar training centre near the Wagah border. Known for radicalising and training over 1,000 operatives annually, including Ajmal Kasab and other 26/11 attackers. The compound also received funding from Osama bin Laden.
3. Sarjal / Tehra Kalan Facility – Narowal District
Used by JeM for cross-border tunnel operations and drone drops of weapons. The camp operates under the guise of a primary health centre and is active in arms smuggling into Jammu and Kashmir.
4. Mehmoona Joya Facility – Sialkot
An HM-operated base located within a government health unit, used for infiltration and terror attacks in Jammu. Its proximity to the LoC allows easy access for militant movement.
5. Markaz Ahle Hadith – Barnala, PoK
A Lashkar staging ground for infiltration into the Poonch-Rajouri sector, housing up to 150 operatives. Commanders of LeT, Jamaat-ud-Dawa, and the J&K United Movement regularly operate from this site.
6. Markaz Abbas – Kotli
Key JeM site housing up to 125 cadres, under the leadership of Qari Zarrar, a wanted terrorist by India's NIA. It plays a direct role in planning attacks in Jammu and Kashmir.
7. Maskar Raheel Shahid – Kotli
One of HM’s oldest training facilities, specializing in sniper training, BAT operations, and high-altitude combat. It trains 150–200 militants at a time.
8. Shawai Nallah Camp – Muzaffarabad
Also known as Bait-ul-Mujahideen, this large LeT facility trained 26/11 attackers. It conducts comprehensive terrorist training, supported by Pakistan’s ISI and army instructors.
9. Markaz Syedna Bilal – Muzaffarabad
JeM’s main PoK base, acting as a launchpad for terrorists into J&K. Managed by Mufti Asghar Khan Kashmiri, it houses up to 100 operatives and reportedly receives training support from Pakistan Army’s SSG commandos.
Government Emphasizes Non-Escalatory Action
India’s Ministry of Defence described the strikes as focused, measured, and non-escalatory, asserting that no Pakistani military assets were targeted. The strikes follow the Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 25 Indian civilians and one Nepali national.
The operation marks a significant escalation in India's counter-terrorism posture and demonstrates its resolve to dismantle the infrastructure of cross-border terrorism.
(This story is published from a syndicated feed)