 |
|
The article details a series of precision cruise missile strikes carried out by India targeting nine locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK). These strikes were a direct response to a recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in the tragic deaths of 26 tourists. The article emphasizes the cross-border linkages of the terrorists involved in the Pahalgam attack, justifying India's retaliatory action. The targeted locations were identified as key hubs of terrorist activity, affiliated primarily with the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terror groups. The specific locations targeted include Muzaffarabad, Kotli, Bahawalpur, Rawalakot, Chakswari, Bhimber, Neelum Valley, Jhelum, and Chakwal, each serving a distinct purpose in the operations of these terror organizations.
The article provides detailed descriptions of each of the nine targeted locations, outlining their significance within the organizational structure of LeT and JeM. The first target, Markaz Subhan Allah in Bahawalpur, Punjab, Pakistan, is identified as the main center of JeM for training and indoctrination. It serves as the operational headquarters of JeM and is linked to the Pulwama suicide bombing attack in 2019. The facility houses key JeM leaders, including Maulana Masood Azhar and Mufti Abdul Rauf Asghar. The second target, Markaz Taiba in Muridke, Punjab, is described as the 'alma mater' and most important training center of LeT. This complex comprises madrassas, markets, residential areas, sports facilities, and agricultural tracts. It serves as a breeding ground for radicalization and provides training for terrorists both from within Pakistan and abroad. The article highlights the involvement of Markaz Taiba in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, with perpetrators receiving intelligence training at this facility. Osama bin Laden also reportedly financed the construction of a mosque and guesthouse within the complex. The third target, Sarjal/Tehra Kalan facility in Shakargarh, Narowal District, Punjab, Pakistan, functions as the main launching site for JeM terrorists infiltrating into Jammu and Kashmir. It is located on the premises of a primary health center to conceal its true purpose. The facility is situated close to the International Border and serves as a base for digging cross-border tunnels for infiltration. It is also used as a launching base for drones delivering arms, ammunition, and narcotics into Indian territory.
The fourth target, Mehmoona Joya Facility in Head Marala, Sialkot, is associated with Hizbul Mujahideen (HM). The ISI facilitated the establishment of this facility within government buildings to conceal its purpose. It is used for infiltrating HM cadres into the Jammu region and provides training for terrorist operations and weapons handling. The article mentions Mohd Irfan Khan alias Irfan Tanda, a commander of this facility, as being involved in several attacks in Jammu. The fifth target, Markaz Ahle Hadith Barnala in Bhimber District, Pakistan-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), is an important LeT markaz used for infiltrating terrorists and arms into the Poonch-Rajouri-Reasi sector. It serves as a staging center for LeT terrorists before infiltration and can accommodate a significant number of terrorists. The article names several LeT terrorists operating from this markaz. The sixth target, Markaz Abbas in Kotli, PoJK, belongs to JeM. This facility can accommodate a large number of JeM terrorists and is headed by Hafiz Abdul Shakoor alias Qari Zarrar, a founding member of JeM. Qari Zarrar is directly involved in planning and executing terrorist attacks in Jammu and Kashmir and is wanted by the National Investigation Agency (NIA). The article also mentions that arms and ammunition stores were transferred to Markaz Abbas after the Pathankot attack.
The seventh target, Maskar Raheel Shahid in Kotli, PoJK, is one of the oldest facilities of Hizbul Mujahideen (HM). It is a secluded facility providing conventional arms and physical training, as well as specialized training for Border Action Team (BAT) operations and sniping. The facility can accommodate a large number of HM terrorists. The eighth target, Shawai Nallah Camp in Muzaffarabad, PoJK, is a crucial LeT camp used for recruitment, registration, and training of LeT terrorists. This camp has been functional since the early 2000s and includes a firing range, training ground, LeT madrassa, and accommodation facilities. The article mentions that LeT head Hafiz Saeed used to welcome new terrorists to this camp. The ISI also reportedly facilitates training at this camp by providing trainers from the Pakistani Army. The ninth and final target, Syedna Bilal Markaz in Muzaffarabad, PoJK, serves as the main center of JeM in PoJK. It functions as a transit camp for JeM terrorists before their launch into Jammu and Kashmir. The facility includes family quarters, an office building, and the office of the Al-Rehmat Trust, the charity wing of JeM. The article states that additional training by Pakistani Special Forces (SSG) is imparted here. JeM operational commander Mufti Asghar Khan Kashmiri is in charge of the facility.
The cumulative effect of these strikes is aimed at disrupting the operational capabilities of LeT, JeM, and HM by targeting their training centers, launching sites, and operational headquarters. By focusing on these key facilities, India seeks to degrade the ability of these terror groups to plan and execute attacks, thereby enhancing the security of Jammu and Kashmir. The article also highlights the alleged role of Pakistan's ISI in supporting and facilitating these terror groups, including establishing facilities within government buildings to conceal their activities. The strikes represent a significant escalation in the tensions between India and Pakistan, with India signaling its willingness to take direct action against terror infrastructure operating from Pakistani soil. The long-term implications of these strikes remain to be seen, but they undoubtedly represent a major shift in India's approach to dealing with cross-border terrorism. The detailed descriptions of each targeted location provide valuable intelligence on the structure and operations of these terror groups, which could be used for future counter-terrorism efforts. Moreover, the strikes serve as a strong deterrent message to Pakistan, signaling that India will not tolerate the use of its territory for terrorist activities targeting India. The strikes are likely to have a significant impact on the morale and operational capabilities of the targeted terror groups, at least in the short term. It remains to be seen whether Pakistan will take any steps to address the concerns raised by India regarding the presence of these terror groups on its soil. The international community will be closely watching the situation to see how it unfolds and whether it leads to further escalation or a de-escalation of tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. The situation remains highly volatile and requires careful management to avoid further escalation and ensure regional stability.
Source: The 9 Terror Targets In Pak Hit By India And Their Key Details