The Terror Web Behind the 9 Targets of Operation Sindoor

India had carried out attacks on nine specific targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) on the basis of intelligence that these locations were directly supporting terror operations against India, counter-terrorism officials said.

The facilities were also reportedly associated with terror networks such as Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), and Hizbul Mujahideen (HM), which still conduct operations with tacit support from Pakistan’s Army and the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). “This support includes systematically coordinated financial, logistical, doctrinal, and military assistance, as well as direct combat training,” officials said.

Pakistan’s Role in Supporting Terror Infrastructure

Pakistani Army officers regularly oversee training sessions at camps operated by these groups, officials said. Most of these groups have been renamed under titles such as The Resistance Front (TRF), People’s Anti-Fascist Front (PAFF), and Kashmir Tigers (KT) to give the impression of an indigenous movement and avoid international scrutiny.

Another crucial strategy is concealing terror infrastructure in the midst of civilian and government structures. Many camps and launch pads attacked during Operation Sindoor were allegedly functioning in or close to military cantonments under camouflage labels such as Basic Health Units (BHUs) and Primary Health Centres (PHCs).

Also, these organizations have been given military-grade communication equipment. “Targets like Sarjal–Tehra Kalan house high-frequency communication setups utilized for planning and coordination with infiltrated terrorists,” an official stated.

Radicalisation, Recruitment, and Anti-India Propaganda

Radical indoctrination is also a key aspect of these camps. LeT’s Markaz Taiba in Muridke and JeM’s Markaz Subhan Allah in Bahawalpur are reported to have key roles in recruitment, finances, propaganda, and training. They have senior commanders residing there and offer public addresses provoking jihad against India.

For example, JeM commander Masood Azhar is reportedly having given several speeches at Markaz Subhan Allah, among them in December 2024, calling young people to fight “Islamic jihad” against India.

SSG’s Role and Guerrilla Training Camps

Other targeted camps such as Syedna Bilal and Shawai Nallah are used for jungle warfare and guerrilla training under the patronage of Pakistan Army’s elite Special Services Group (SSG). These centers train operatives in ambush techniques, survival techniques, and weapons training, officials added.

Profile of the Nine Targeted Locations

1. Markaz Subhan Allah, Bahawalpur
JeM’s central training and indoctrination center, which has been active since 2015. It is also the group’s headquarters and is connected with the 2019 Pulwama attack. It is also home to influential leaders such as JeM founder Masood Azhar and his family. Azhar often makes use of the facility to make anti-India speeches.

2. Markaz Taiba, Muridke
Set up in 2000 in Sheikhupura, Punjab, this is LeT’s main training camp. Approximately 1,000 new recruits arrive every year for weapons and religious training. Osama bin Laden reportedly sponsored portions of this facility, where the 26/11 militants were trained and where operatives such as David Headley operated.

3. Sarjal / Tehra Kalan
Situated close to Samba sector in Jammu, this JeM centre functions in the name of a Primary Health Centre. It is said to be utilized for tunneling, drone activities, and arms smuggling. Important persons such as Mufti Abdul Rauf Asghar are involved in its activities.

4. Mehmoona Joya Facility, Sialkot
Operational within the Bhutta Kotli Government BHU, this HM base is trained in weapons management and infiltration methods for operations in Jammu. It is commanded by Mohammad Irfan Khan (@Irfan Tanda), and holds 20–25 militants simultaneously.

5. Markaz Ahle Hadith, Barnala (Bhimber)
This LeT-run centre near Barnala assists penetration into the Poonch–Rajouri–Reasi sector. As it can accommodate up to 150 militants, it is utilized as a launching pad for attacks. Commanders like Qasim Gujjar operate from here.

6. Markaz Abbas, Kotli
Also referred to as Markaz Saidna Hazrat Abbas Bin Abdul Mutalib, this JeM camp shelters more than 100 operatives. Under the leadership of Hafiz Abdul Shakoor (@Qari Zarrar), this serves as a strategic planning center and infiltration center into Indian-administered areas.

7. Maskar Raheel Shahid, Kotli
One of HM’s older and largest PoK camps, this center concentrates on sniping, combat training, and survival training for 150–200 militants. This provides support to BAT operations as well as guerrilla warfare tactics.

8. Shawai Nallah Camp, Muzaffarabad
Also referred to as Bait-ul-Mujahideen, this LeT camp educates operatives in GPS operations, conditioning, and fighting skills. It was used as a training ground for the 26/11 perpetrators and can accommodate more than 250 militants.

9. Markaz Syedna Bilal, Muzaffarabad
Based at opposite the Red Fort in Muzaffarabad, it serves to coordinate militants prior to infiltration. Directed by Mufti Asghar Khan Kashmiri, the complex also includes fugitive Aashiq Nengroo and commander Abdullah Jehadi. The SSG operate training missions from here for the militants.