In a precision strike by Indian forces, Jaish-e-Mohammed’s Bahawalpur headquarters was targeted, eliminating Masood Azhar’s entire family, including his wife, son, and sister. A devastated Azhar reportedly said, “It would’ve been better if I had died too.”
By New Delhi Post Desk
Targeted Strike on Jaish Headquarters
New Delhi: Indian forces executed a surgical strike on Jaish-e-Mohammed’s Subhan Allah headquarters in Bahawalpur, Pakistan, killing 10 members of Masood Azhar’s family, including his wife, son, elder sister, and brother-in-law, along with four close aides. The operation, dubbed “Operation Sindoor,” targeted the terrorist group’s primary training and operational hub.
Masood Azhar’s Lament
The strike left Azhar reeling, with media reports quoting him saying, “It would’ve been better if I had died too.” Sources confirm the family was present at the Markaz complex during the attack, a site notorious for planning attacks like Pulwama.
Details of the Attack
According to BBC Urdu, India targeted the Subhan Allah center in Bahawalpur’s Ahmadpur Sharqia area, destroying a mosque within the complex. Pakistani military sources reported four strikes, with one mosque completely demolished. The facility, located near the N-5 highway, spans 20-25 acres and includes a madrasa, teachers’ residences, and a graveyard.
Local Impact and Eyewitness Accounts
Local journalist Raja Shafqat Mahmood reported two powerful explosions, with the second occurring shortly after residents gathered at the site. The blasts were so intense that windows in homes two kilometers away shattered. A teacher revealed the madrasa was evacuated days before the strike, leaving only key operatives and Azhar’s family.
Jaish’s Bahawalpur Stronghold
Masood Azhar, born in Bahawalpur, operated from a heavily guarded complex in the city. Despite a 2002 ban on Jaish-e-Mohammed, the group continued running camps with impunity. The Subhan Allah madrasa, located half a kilometer from local settlements, was a hub for 800 students and terror activities.