NEW DELHI: In a decisive military operation, India has reportedly eliminated Abdul Rauf Azhar, the operational head of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and younger brother of the group’s founder, Masood Azhar.
The operation, named “Sindoor,” was launched in response to the recent Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 civilian lives in Jammu and Kashmir. Azhar was reportedly killed during Indian airstrikes targeting JeM infrastructure in Bahawalpur, Pakistan.
Azhar was a key figure in several high-profile terrorist activities. He was implicated in the 1999 hijacking of Indian Airlines flight IC-814, which led to the release of several terrorists, including Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh. Sheikh was later involved in the kidnapping and murder of American journalist Daniel Pearl in 2002.
The Indian government has hailed the operation as a significant blow to terrorism, delivering justice for past attacks attributed to JeM. However, the strikes have also escalated tensions between India and Pakistan, with Pakistan condemning the attacks and warning of potential retaliation.
Operation Sindoor underscores India’s commitment to combating terrorism and addressing threats emanating from across its borders. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, as the region remains on high alert.
