India Strikes Terror Infrastructure: Key Jaish Commander Eliminated
NEW DELHI — May 8, 2025 — India has launched airstrikes, eliminating a key Jaish commander in retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack. The strikes targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan adn Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) and reportedly killed Abdul Rauf Azhar, a most-wanted terrorist linked to multiple attacks. The operation was called “Sindoor” and constitutes a decisive response, underscoring the nation’s commitment to national security and it’s resolve to counter terrorism. Learn more about the implications of this growth.
India strikes Terror Infrastructure: Key Jaish Commander Eliminated
Operation Sindoor: Retaliation for Pahalgam Attack
In a decisive response to the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed the lives of 26 innocent people, India launched precision airstrikes targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK). The operation, dubbed “Sindoor,” focused on nine locations, including the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) headquarters in Bahawalpur.
Abdul Rauf Azhar: Mastermind Eliminated
Among those reportedly killed in the strikes was Abdul Rauf Azhar, the younger brother of JeM chief Masood Azhar. Azhar was a most-wanted terrorist with a long history of involvement in high-profile attacks against India.
key Role in Terrorist Activities
Abdul Rauf Azhar’s involvement in terrorist activities includes:
- Masterminding the hijack of Indian Airlines IC 814 in Kandahar in 1999.
- Involvement in the Pathankot terror attack.
- Participation in the 2001 attack on the Indian Parliament.
The IC 814 Hijack: A Dark Chapter
The hijacking of Indian Airlines IC 814 remains a significant event in India’s fight against terrorism. The plane, carrying 190 people from Kathmandu to Delhi, was diverted to Kandahar. The Indian government was compelled to release three terrorists, including Masood Azhar, in exchange for the passengers’ freedom.
BJP’s Confirmation
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) announced the elimination of Abdul Rauf Azhar via social media, posting his photo with the caption “eliminated.”
– कंधार प्लेन हाईजैक
– पठानकोट आतंकी हमला
– भारतीय संसद आतंकी हमला#OperationSindoor में मारा गया मोस्ट वांटेड पाकिस्तानी आतंकी अब्दुल रऊफ अजहर। pic.twitter.com/NKuRwptldH— BJP (@BJP4India) May 8, 2025
Masood Azhar’s Statement
Following the strikes, a statement attributed to Masood Azhar reported the deaths of 10 family members and four aides in the attack on the JeM headquarters, Jamia Masjid Subhan Allah, in Bahawalpur. The statement detailed the loss, including children, relatives, and companions.
According to the statement, Ten members of my family where blessed with this happiness together tonight… five are innocent children, my elder sister, her honorable husband. My scholar Fazil bhanje (nephew) and his wife and my beloved scholar fazilah (niece) … my dear brother Huzaifah and his mother. Two more dear companions,”
indicating that those killed have become the guests of Allah.
The statement further conveyed that Masood Azhar feels neither regret nor despair
over the deaths. Rather, it comes to my heart again and again that I too would have joined this fourteen-member happy caravan. Time for their departure had come, but the Lord did not kill them,
the statement said.
