During Operation Sindoor, the Indian Air Force struck terrorist hideouts in Pakistan, targeting the network of Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar. Recently, Masood Ilyas Kashmiri, a close aide of Azhar, revealed the impact of the strike.
Family Casualties
-
On the night of 7 May, members of Masood Azhar’s family were sleeping in a madrasa in Bahawalpur.
-
The strike killed 14 family members, including Masood’s elder sister and brother-in-law.
-
Masood Azhar reportedly expressed despair after the attack, stating in a letter that he “also does not want to live anymore.”
About Masood Ilyas Kashmiri
-
Ilyas is the head of Jaish’s preaching wing and is close to Masood Azhar.
-
He is involved in recruiting and brainwashing youth and is on NIA’s top gang leader list.
Masood Azhar’s Whereabouts
-
Since Operation Sindoor, Masood Azhar has been underground, with no confirmed sightings.
-
Pakistani officials claim there are no terrorists on their soil, while some reports suggest he may be hiding in Afghanistan.
Operation Sindoor Overview
-
Launched after the Lashkar-e-Taiba attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 civilians in April.
-
9 terrorist bases in Pakistan, including major hideouts of Lashkar and Jaish, were destroyed.
-
Around 100 terrorists were killed during the operation.
-
The Indian government states that the operation is still ongoing.
This operation marked a significant blow to Jaish-e-Mohammed, both strategically and personally, hitting Masood Azhar’s inner circle and family.
