On May 1, 2025, India carried out a powerful military operation called Operation Sindoor.This operation was launched in response to a deadly terror attack on an Indian Army truck in the Poonch district of Jammu & Kashmir, where four brave soldiers lost their lives.India promised a strong reply, and Operation Sindoor was that answer.The Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Indian Army targeted 9 specific locations in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) that were directly helping terrorist activities against India.These 9 targets were not random buildings.They were part of a large terror infrastructure that provided training, weapons, shelter, and planning support to terrorist groups such as Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), and Hizbul Mujahideen.
What is Operation Sindoor?
Operation Sindoor was a carefully planned anti-terror strike carried out by India in the early hours of May 1, 2025.It was named ‘Sindoor’ to honor the blood of Indian soldiers who were martyred in the Poonch terror attack.The operation was conducted without causing harm to civilians, focusing only on terror-linked locations.The Indian forces used modern surveillance systems, drones, precision-guided missiles, and satellite data to strike the targets.The entire operation was over in just a few hours, but its impact was deep and powerful.
Why Did India Launch This Operation?
On April 27, 2025, terrorists attacked an Indian Army truck in the Poonch area using grenades and bullets.Four soldiers were killed, and the attackers managed to escape.Investigations revealed that these terrorists had come from PoK and were staying at terror camps run by JeM and LeT.These camps were being used for training and launching attacks inside Indian territory.For years, India has shown patience despite repeated cross-border terror attacks.But this time, the government decided to take direct and bold action.The goal was to destroy the roots of terrorism, not just catch the attackers.
Operation Sindoor: Profile of the Nine Targets India Attacked on Wednesday
1. Markaz Subhan Allah – Bahawalpur (Punjab, Pakistan)
This is the main base of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), operational since 2015. It acts as the ideological and training headquarters of the group and was linked to the 2019 Pulwama terror attack. The compound houses top JeM leaders including Masood Azhar, Mufti Abdul Rauf Asghar, and Maulana Ammar. The center regularly hosts arms and religious training for recruits and is known for spreading anti-India propaganda.
2. Markaz Taiba – Muridke (Punjab, Pakistan)
Located in Nangal Sahdan, Muridke, this is the primary training center of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). Established in 2000, it offers arms training and religious indoctrination to nearly 1,000 recruits each year. Infamously, it trained the 26/11 Mumbai attackers, including Ajmal Kasab, and also hosted key conspirators like David Headley and Tahawwur Rana. Even Osama bin Laden reportedly funded parts of the complex.
3. Sarjal / Tehra Kalan – Shakargarh, Narowal District
This JeM launching facility operates from a Primary Health Centre in Tehra Kalan, just 6 km from the Indian border near the Samba sector. The site is used for building cross-border tunnels, launching drones, and smuggling arms and narcotics. Senior JeM figures like Adnan Ali (@Doctor) and Kashif Jan frequently visit the facility, which is under the control of Mufti Abdul Rauf Asghar.
4. Mehmoona Joya Facility – Sialkot
Located within the Bhutta Kotli Government health unit in Head Marala, Sialkot, this Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) base trains militants for infiltration into Jammu. Cadres receive training in weapons handling and guerrilla tactics. Around 20–25 militants stay at this facility, which is commanded by Mohammad Irfan Khan (@Irfan Tanda)—a known handler in past attacks.
5. Markaz Ahle Hadith – Barnala, Bhimber
Built along Kote Jamel Road on the outskirts of Barnala, this LeT staging camp is used for moving terrorists and weapons into the Poonch–Rajouri–Reasi sector. The camp can accommodate up to 150 militants and is controlled by LeT operatives like Qasim Gujjar (@Mahrore) and Qasim Khanda, under supervision of senior LeT leaders.
6. Markaz Abbas – Kotli
Also known as Markaz Saidna Hazrat Abbas Bin Abdul Mutalib, this is a significant JeM facility run by Hafiz Abdul Shakoor (@Qari Zarrar), a close aide of Mufti Abdul Rauf Asghar. With capacity for over 100 militants, this camp is actively used for planning infiltration missions into the Poonch–Rajouri sector. Qari Zarrar is on the radar of India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA).
7. Maskar Raheel Shahid – Kotli
This is one of Hizbul Mujahideen’s oldest training camps in PoJK. It has facilities for arms training, sniping, BAT (Border Action Team) missions, and survival skills for mountainous areas. The camp can house up to 200 militants, making it a major threat to India’s border security.
8. Shawai Nallah Camp – Muzaffarabad
Known as Bait-ul-Mujahideen, this LeT base is near the Chelabandi Bridge on the Muzaffarabad–Neelum road. Operational since the early 2000s, it provides GPS training, religious indoctrination, and weapons training. The 26/11 attackers also trained here. It remains one of the most active terror hubs in the region, with a capacity of up to 250 fighters.
9. Markaz Syedna Bilal – Muzaffarabad
This JeM transit camp is located opposite Red Fort in Muzaffarabad and usually houses 50–100 militants preparing for infiltration into Jammu & Kashmir. It is led by Mufti Asghar Khan Kashmiri and also serves as a base for Indian fugitive Aashiq Nengroo and JeM commander Abdullah Jehadi (@Abdullah Kashmiri). SSG commandos of the Pakistan Army are believed to provide tactical training at this facility.
The 9 targets destroyed during Operation Sindoor were part of a deep terrorist network. They provided everything from training to medical help to terrorists planning to attack India.By destroying them, India made its intentions clear — terrorism will not be tolerated, and those who support it will face consequences.The success of Operation Sindoor honors the sacrifice of our soldiers and keeps our nation secure. It is a powerful example of smart, strong, and precise counter-terror action.
