The precision strike that eliminated 10 of Masood Azhar’s relatives signals a turning point in India’s counterterror strategy—targeting not just operatives, but the support systems that shield top terror leaders.BY PC Bureau
New Delhi, May 7:
India’s latest cross-border strikes against terror infrastructure in Pakistan have delivered a symbolic and strategic blow, killing 10 family members of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar, including his sister and brother-in-law. The strikes, carried out under the banner of Operation Sindoor, mark one of India’s most pointed retaliatory actions following the recent Pahalgam terror attack.
UN designated #terrorist Maulana Masood Azhar and his older sister and his entire family have been Killed. #OperationSindoor pic.twitter.com/U846HKgGko
— Abhishek Dwivedi /अभिषेक द्विवेदी 🇮🇳 (@Dubeyjilive) May 7, 2025
Among the high-value targets hit was the Subhan Allah Complex in Bahawalpur, the headquarters and residence of Masood Azhar. Indian intelligence sources confirmed the building sustained direct hits during the brief but intense operation early Tuesday morning. JeM has used the compound for recruitment, training, and indoctrination for decades.
Masood Azhar himself claimed that ten members of his family and four close aides were killed in Indian airstrikes carried out under Operation Sindoor, launched in response to the recent Pahalgam terror attack, according to a report by news agency PTI.
In a statement attributed to Azhar, the airstrikes targeted the JeM headquarters at Jamia Masjid Subhan Allah in Bahawalpur. The deceased reportedly include Azhar’s elder sister and her husband, a nephew and his wife, a niece, and five children from his extended family.
“Ten members of my family were blessed with this happiness together tonight,” the statement read. “Five are innocent children, my elder sister and her honorable husband, my scholar nephew and his wife, my beloved scholar niece, my dear brother Huzaifah and his mother. Two more close companions were also martyred.” He described the deceased as “guests of Allah” and expressed no regret or sorrow, only a desire to have joined them.
Azhar also announced funeral prayers and invited followers to attend.
Masood Azhar, 56, is designated a global terrorist by the United Nations Security Council and is wanted in connection with several high-profile terror attacks in India, including the 2001 Parliament attack, the 2008 Mumbai attacks, the 2016 Pathankot attack, and the 2019 Pulwama bombing. Although he is widely believed to be based in Pakistan, the Pakistani government continues to deny knowledge of his whereabouts.
Indian military officials said the strikes were precise, time-bound, and based on actionable intelligence. “We struck nine targets—five in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and four in Pakistan’s Punjab province—eliminating top terror operatives without causing civilian casualties,” said Wing Commander Vyomika Singh at a press briefing.
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Azhar himself has not been seen since the attack, though intelligence agencies are probing whether he was present during the strike. Pakistani media reports put the overall death toll in the compound at 14. The JeM chief, who has been sanctioned by the UN for terrorism, has not released a formal statement, but a family spokesman confirmed the deaths of his close relatives.
UN designated #terrorist Maulana Masood Azhar and his older sister and his entire family have been Killed. #OperationSindoor pic.twitter.com/U846HKgGko
— Abhishek Dwivedi /अभिषेक द्विवेदी 🇮🇳 (@Dubeyjilive) May 7, 2025
In a parallel strike, Indian forces also took out Qari Mohammad Iqbal, a senior preacher affiliated with Lashkar-e-Taiba, in Kotli, PoK. The target was reportedly a madrasa frequently visited by top LeT commanders.
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The strikes were a direct response to the April 22 Pahalgam bombing, in which 26 Indian and one Nepali tourist were killed during a pilgrimage. The attack, claimed by a JeM offshoot, triggered nationwide outrage and led to calls for a calibrated but firm response from the Indian government.
Pakistan has described India’s actions as an “act of war,” but Defence Minister Khawaja Asif hinted at a willingness to de-escalate if India halts further action. However, Indian officials remain firm. “This was not an act of war, but of justice,” a senior government source said. “We hit terror, not the state of Pakistan.”
The Indian Army remains on high alert, anticipating possible retaliation. In border districts, civilian bunkers have been activated and schools closed as a precaution.
While India did not officially claim to target Masood Azhar himself, the loss of his close family has sent a strong signal to terror groups operating across the border — that no sanctuary will remain untouchable.
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