NEW DELHI: A significant counter-terrorism operation named “Operation Sindoor,” which remains ongoing, has reportedly led to the death of Abdul Rauf Azhar, the younger brother of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Maulana Masood Azhar, and a key figure in the 1999 IC-814 Air India flight hijacking.
FLASH| IC 814 mastermind Rauf Azhar killed by India strike | Op Sindoor
Rauf, who planned & executed IC 814 hijacking in 1999, killed in Operation Sindoor strike in Bahawalpur, Army sources to Rohan Dua on The New Indian
Rauf is younger brother of Jaish chief Maulana Masood pic.twitter.com/vKnOeCpGLf
— The New Indian (@TheNewIndian_in) May 8, 2025
The operation focused on dismantling major terror hubs associated with JeM, Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), and Hizbul Mujahideen. Notable sites targeted include:
- Bahawalpur: The Jamia Masjid Subhan Allah, a prominent JeM training center, was destroyed, resulting in the deaths of 10 of Masood Azhar’s family members and four close associates.
- Muridke: The headquarters of LeT, known for orchestrating several attacks on Indian soil, was also struck.
- Muzaffarabad: A key training facility used by Hizbul Mujahideen was neutralized.
- Gulpur Camp (Kotli): A forward operating base for LeT terrorists infiltrating into India’s Rajouri-Poonch sector.
- Maskar Raheel Shahid (Mahuli Puli): A Hizbul Mujahideen stronghold specializing in BAT raids and high-altitude survival training.
- Markaz Ahle Hadith (Barnala): A LeT facility aiding infiltration and arms smuggling across the LoC.
- Markaz Saidna Hazrat Abbas Bin Abdul Mutalib (Kotli): A JeM center housing weapons and ammunition stores.
- Markaz Subhan Allah (Bahawalpur): A JeM seminary linked to Masood Azhar’s operations.
- Shawai Nallah (PoJK): A critical launchpad for cross-border terror activities.
Among those killed is Abdul Rauf Azhar, who played a pivotal role in the 1999 hijacking of IC-814, which led to the release of several terrorists, including Omar Saeed Sheikh, involved in the kidnapping and murder of journalist Daniel Pearl.
Official Confirmation and Political Response
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh confirmed the success of Operation Sindoor during an all-party meeting, highlighting the operation’s precision and the strategic importance of the targeted locations.
He emphasized that India will refrain from further military action unless provoked by Pakistan.
