In a major counter-terrorism breakthrough, Indian intelligence sources have confirmed the killing of Masood Azhar’s brothers-in-law along with a top Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) commander during a high-risk cross-border operation codenamed Operation Sindoor. This marks a significant success in India’s ongoing efforts to dismantle terror infrastructure operating out of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
High-Value Targets Neutralized
According to official sources, the operation was carried out by a specialized unit of Indian security forces in the early hours of Wednesday, deep inside PoK. Among the key targets neutralized were:
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Rauf Asghar, brother-in-law of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar and a long-time operational commander of the group.
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Abdul Rauf Azhar, also believed to be related to Masood Azhar and wanted in multiple terror cases, including the 1999 IC-814 hijacking and the 2016 Pathankot airbase attack.
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A senior LeT commander, identified as the chief of the Lashkar headquarters in Muzaffarabad, whose name has been withheld pending confirmation.
The operation was reportedly planned with months of surveillance, involving real-time intelligence sharing between various Indian intelligence and military wings.
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What Was Operation Sindoor?
Operation Sindoor was a deep-strike surgical mission designed to target high-value terror operatives without collateral damage. The name, officials say, symbolizes justice for the families of Indian soldiers and citizens lost to terrorism.
Sources suggest the strike involved a mix of precision air-dropped ordnance and ground-level confirmation by special forces. The Indian government has so far not issued an official statement, citing security and diplomatic sensitivities, but highly placed officials confirmed the identities of those killed.
Reactions and Implications
Security experts see the elimination of these high-profile figures as a severe blow to both JeM and LeT’s leadership hierarchy, potentially leading to operational disarray in the short term. It also sends a clear message about India’s willingness and capability to conduct precise and high-stakes counter-terror operations across the LoC.
Pakistan’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) has not officially commented on the reports, but some Pakistani media outlets have acknowledged an “unidentified airstrike” in the Muzaffarabad region.
Global Context and Masood Azhar’s Whereabouts
Masood Azhar himself has remained a fugitive, believed to be sheltered under state protection in Pakistan. Despite being designated a global terrorist by the United Nations in 2019, efforts to bring him to justice have been hindered by Islamabad’s refusal to act.
The death of his key aides and family members in this latest operation is expected to increase international pressure on Pakistan to dismantle terror networks operating from its soil.
Conclusion
Operation Sindoor underscores a new chapter in India’s counter-terror doctrine—bold, covert, and targeted. While challenges remain, this decisive blow to JeM and LeT leadership may open up strategic space for India to further weaken the operational capabilities of cross-border terror groups.
