Operation Sindoor: India Strikes 9 Terrorist Bases in Pakistan and PoK, Targeting Jaish and LeT Locations

India carried out a military action called Operation Sindoor on May 7, targeting nine locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). This operation came in response to the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, where 26 people lost their lives. According to the Ministry of Defence, the strikes were aimed only at terrorist bases and not at Pakistani military facilities and at civilian residential places.

The Indian government said that the action was planned carefully and was not meant to cause further escalation. Sharing the update on social media platform X (Twitter), the Indian Army posted, "#PahalgamTerrorAttack. Justice is Served. Jai Hind!"

Operation Sindoor Targeted Locations

The air strikes reportedly targeted areas associated with terrorist groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad. Residents of Muzaffarabad reported hearing jets overhead, while a site near Muzaffarabad was believed to be hit. Other targeted locations included Bahawalpur in Punjab Province and Kotli in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

The aim of 'Operation Sindoor' was to eliminate terrorist bases responsible for planning and carrying out attacks on India. Key targets included the Jaish-e-Mohammed headquarters in Bahawalpur and the main Lashkar-e-Taiba center in Muridke, both located in Pakistan's Punjab province. These sites are well known for their involvement in major terrorist incidents, including the Pulwama attack on February 14, 2019, and the 2008 Mumbai attacks.

Operation Sindoor: Airstrikes Target Nine Terror Base Camps

1. Markaz Subhan Allah in Bahawalpur is linked to the terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). Situated in southern Punjab, Bahawalpur has traditionally functioned as the headquarters of JeM, under the leadership of Masood Azhar. The group has been involved in major terror incidents in India, such as the 2001 Parliament attack and the 2019 Pulwama bombing.

2.Markaz Taiba in Muridke, operated by Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), is located around 40 km from Lahore and serves as the group's main hub, along with its affiliate Jamaat-ud-Dawa. Spread over more than 200 acres, the compound includes training camps, logistics centers, and indoctrination facilities. It has been directly connected to the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.

3. Sarjal in Tehra Kalan, linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), is situated near both the Line of Control and the International Border. This area has frequently been used as a route for militants attempting to infiltrate into Indian territory.

4. The Mehmoona Joya camp, operated by Hizbul Mujahideen (HM), is located 12-18 km inside Pakistan, near Kotli Bhutta Government Hospital in the Head Marala area of Sialkot District, Punjab. This facility is one of the largest camps of HM and serves as a key control center for spreading terrorism in the Kathua and Jammu regions. The camp, backed by Pakistan's ISI, has been used to plan and direct several attacks, including the Pathankot Air Force base assault.

5. Markaz Ahle Hadith in Barnala, located in PoJK, is an important base for Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). It is used to send LeT terrorists and weapons into the Poonch, Rajouri, and Reasi sectors in India. The facility is on the outskirts of Barnala town, just 500 meters from it and 200 meters from Kote Jemel road. Another Markaz Ahle Hadith in Kotli, located 9-13 km from the Line of Control (LoC).

6. The Markaz Saidna Hazrat Abbas Bin Abdul Mutalib (Markaz Abbas), associated with Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), is situated in Mohalla Roli Dhara Bypass Road, Kotli, within Pakistan-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). This strategic location lies approximately 2 kilometers southeast of the Kotli Military Camp.

7. Maskar Raheel Shahid, located about 2.5 km from Mahuli Puli (a bridge on Mahuli Nalla on the Mirpur-Kotli road) in Kotli District, PoJK, is one of the oldest camps of Hizbul Mujahideen (HM). It is a remote facility, accessible only by a rough track.

8.The Sawai Nala Camp in Muzaffarabad stands as one of the most critical training facilities for Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). Established in the early 2000s, it serves as a hub for the recruitment, registration, and training of LeT militants. Over the years, the camp has played a pivotal role in grooming cadres for the group's operations.

9. Markaz Syedna Bilal, located opposite the iconic Red Fort in Muzaffarabad, is the principal center for Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) in Pakistan-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). Known for its role as a transit camp, it facilitates the movement of JeM militants before their deployment into Jammu and Kashmir. The facility regularly hosts 50-100 militants, serving as a key staging area for the group's activities.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held several high-level meetings with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and other top military officials to discuss operational readiness and potential responses. Defence Secretary R K Singh also participated in discussions regarding critical policies and acquisitions for the armed forces.

FAQs

What was the reaction of the Indian Army to the Operation Sindoor airstrikes?

The Indian Army shared an update on social media, stating "PahalgamTerrorAttack. Justice is Served. Jai Hind!" indicating their intention behind the operation.

What were some of the known terrorist incidents linked to the targeted locations?

The targeted locations were linked to major terrorist incidents, including the Pulwama attack in 2019 and the 2008 Mumbai attacks.

What is Operation Sindoor?

Operation Sindoor is a military action carried out by India on May 7, targeting nine locations in Pakistan and Pakistan occupied Kashmir in response to a terror attack in Pahalgam.