Indian Forces Execute Operation Sindoor, Targeting Jaish-e-Mohammed Leadership
Operation Sindoor: A Strategic Military Action
In a bold and impactful military operation, Indian armed forces reportedly eliminated 14 individuals linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed leader Masood Azhar, including the son of his brother, Rauf Asgar, who is among India's most wanted terrorists. This operation, known as Operation Sindoor, was executed swiftly.
Asgar is believed to have sustained critical injuries during the operation, which lasted approximately 25 minutes and focused on significant terror bases within Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), as confirmed by officials.
The mission was a collaborative effort involving the Indian Army, Air Force, and Navy, successfully targeting nine major terror facilities, including Jaish's stronghold in Bahawalpur and a base of Lashkar-e-Toiba in Muridke.
Response to Recent Terror Attacks
This military action was a direct response to the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians, including 25 tourists and one local resident, marking one of the most brutal assaults on civilians in recent times.
Precision and Intelligence in Execution
Sources indicate that the operation was carried out with surgical precision, following extensive intelligence gathering and surveillance. Among those neutralized were close relatives of Masood Azhar, a key figure behind numerous terrorist attacks.
The involvement of Rauf Asgar's son in the casualties and Asgar's severe injuries highlight the operation's significant impact on the terror group's leadership structure. Indian intelligence had been closely monitoring Bahawalpur, noting increased militant activity following the Pahalgam incident.
Official Statements on the Operation
In a press briefing, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh provided insights into the mission. Misri characterized the operation as 'measured, proportionate, and responsible,' aimed at preventing future terrorist activities on Indian soil.
He emphasized that despite the passage of two weeks since the Pahalgam attack, Pakistan had not taken steps to dismantle the terror infrastructure it harbors, instead opting for denial and false accusations. Intelligence reports indicated that further attacks were being planned, necessitating decisive action.
Targets and Objectives of Operation Sindoor
Colonel Sofiya Qureshi identified the nine targets as 'nerve centers of cross-border terrorism' located in Muzaffarabad, Bahawalpur, Muridke, Sialkot, and Kotli. The mission aimed to eliminate launch pads, training camps, and arms depots while minimizing civilian casualties.
Wing Commander Vyomika Singh noted that the operation utilized satellite imagery, human intelligence, and real-time aerial surveillance to coordinate the nighttime strikes effectively. 'We had a narrow window, and we used it decisively,' she stated.
International Implications and Reactions
India has informed global partners and the United Nations Security Council about the operation, providing evidence linking the targeted sites to Lashkar-e-Toiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, and The Resistance Front (TRF). Officials assert that the deaths of Azhar's relatives and Rauf Asgar's injuries have significantly weakened Jaish-e-Mohammed's operational capabilities.