Indian intelligence sources have confirmed a major breakthrough under Operation Sindoor: Abdul Rauf Asghar, the brother of JeM chief Masood Azhar and the terror group’s operational commander, was critically injured in a precision missile strike in Bahawalpur, Pakistan — a key JeM stronghold.
Key Developments:
Strike on Bahawalpur — JeM’s Core Nerve Center
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Indian missiles struck the Subhan Allah complex, part of the JeM's Jamia Masjid–Usman-o-Ali campus, reducing much of it to rubble.
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The strike took place during the early morning 25-minute blitz on Wednesday, as part of the broader targeting of nine terror hubs across Pakistan and PoK.
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The campus has long served as JeM’s ideological and operational headquarters.
Casualties in Azhar’s Family
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JeM chief Masood Azhar revealed that 14 of his family members and 4 close aides were killed in the Indian strikes.
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According to BBC Urdu, the casualties include:
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Azhar’s elder sister and her husband
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His nephew and wife
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Another niece
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Five children
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Azhar’s mother
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Three key aides
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The attack has dealt a severe psychological and structural blow to the JeM leadership.
Who is Abdul Rauf Asghar?
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Often referred to as the de-facto commander of JeM, Asghar has masterminded several of India’s worst terror attacks:
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1999 IC-814 hijacking, which led to Masood Azhar’s release from Indian jail.
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2001 Parliament attack, which nearly triggered war between India and Pakistan.
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2016 Pathankot and Uri attacks
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2019 Pulwama bombing, which killed 40 CRPF jawans.
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Asghar was reportedly inside the Bahawalpur facility when the Indian missile struck. He is now hospitalised in a Pakistani military facility, said to be in critical condition.
Strategic Significance
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Bahawalpur is more than a symbolic target. It is:
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The birthplace of Masood Azhar
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The command centre for JeM operations
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A location previously avoided due to proximity to civilian zones and potential escalation
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By targeting this base, India signaled a clear shift in strategy: it is now willing to strike deep within Pakistani territory if provoked.
Operation Sindoor: India’s Largest Post-Balakot Strike
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Carried out in retaliation for the Pahalgam massacre (26 civilians killed).
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Launched using Rafale aircraft and precision missiles with real-time satellite and drone guidance.
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Covered targets in Bahawalpur, Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot, Kotli (PoK), and terror transit camps along the border.
Implications:
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The injury to Abdul Rauf Asghar is a major operational blow to JeM, potentially crippling its coordination capacity.
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The death of Azhar's close family raises both emotional and logistical challenges for the group.
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India has demonstrated enhanced strike capabilities and intelligence precision, possibly aided by foreign satellite support or drone surveillance.
