KKN Gurugram Desk | In a significant development related to Operation Sindoor, Indian forces have targeted the JeM (Jaish-e-Mohammad) base in Bahawalpur, Pakistan, resulting in the deaths of several key members of the terrorist group. Reports have surfaced that Masood Azhar, the leader of JeM, has lost several family members in the attack, including his wife, son, and elder sister, along with other prominent members of his inner circle. This strike has escalated tensions between India and Pakistan, as Jaish-e-Mohammad is considered one of the most notorious terror groups, responsible for orchestrating several high-profile attacks, including the Pulwama attack.

This article provides detailed coverage of the operation, the targets of the strike, and the aftermath, including the reaction of Masood Azhar and other involved parties. We will also look at the significant role of the Subhan Allah center in Bahawalpur and its importance in Jaish-e-Mohammad’s operations.

Operation Sindoor: The Strike on Jaish-e-Mohammad’s Headquarters in Bahawalpur

On May 7, 2025, reports from credible sources confirm that the Indian Army conducted a successful strike on Jaish-e-Mohammad’s key training and operational hub in Bahawalpur, located in the Punjab province of Pakistan. This base, known as Subhan Allah Center, has been a strategic location for Jaish-e-Mohammad, where many of the group’s major operations, including attacks like Pulwama, were planned and coordinated.

According to sources, the strike resulted in the deaths of 10 people, including Masood Azhar’s wife, son, and elder sister. The attack also claimed the lives of several key figures associated with the terrorist group, including Maulana Kashif, Maulana Abdul Rauf’s daughter, and four other militants. Following the attack, Masood Azhar is reported to have expressed immense grief over the loss, stating, “It would have been better if I had died as well.”

The Subhan Allah center is reportedly one of Jaish-e-Mohammad’s primary training grounds and operational headquarters. Masood Azhar and his associates have used this facility for years to orchestrate various terrorist activities across India, and it has been a significant base for terrorist training.

The Importance of Subhan Allah Center in Jaish-e-Mohammad’s Operations

The Subhan Allah center in Bahawalpur is strategically significant for Jaish-e-Mohammad. According to reports, the center is part of a large complex, including a Madarsa (religious school) and the Subhan Mosque, located near the Ahmedpur Sharqia area on the N-5 highway. The mosque and the madarsa complex have long been considered the epicenter of terrorist activities for Jaish-e-Mohammad.

In an exclusive report by BBC Urdu, the Subhan Mosque was identified as the main target of the Indian attack. The Pakistani Army has confirmed that four bombings were carried out on this mosque. One of the mosques was completely destroyed during the attack. This site has long been associated with Jaish-e-Mohammad, which uses it to train militants and recruit new fighters for their operations in Kashmir and other parts of India.

Local journalists have reported that the blast was so intense that it shattered windows two kilometers away from the explosion site, highlighting the magnitude of the attack. The Subhan Allah center had been a symbol of terror training and a hideout for many key figures of the terrorist group. The attack has sent shockwaves through the terrorist community and is a significant blow to Jaish-e-Mohammad’s operational capacity.

Impact on Masood Azhar and His Family

After the strike on the Subhan Allah center, Masood Azhar confirmed the deaths of his wife, son, elder sister, and four close associates. Masood Azhar’s loss has been profound, with reports stating that he expressed his grief by saying, “I wish I had died instead of them.” This tragic loss has intensified his emotional distress, and it remains to be seen how Masood Azhar and his group will respond to this devastating blow.

Local sources have indicated that Masood Azhar had been present in Bahawalpur prior to the strike but was not in the Subhan Allah center at the time of the attack. However, his close family members and several key operatives were inside the compound, making them prime targets for the Indian operation. The attack has effectively decimated his family’s immediate circle, leading to a major setback for Jaish-e-Mohammad.

The Role of the Subhan Allah Center in JeM’s Activities

The Subhan Allah center has long been a hub for JeM’s training and operational activities. According to reports from local sources, the madarsa housed over 800 students at one point, making it a significant breeding ground for radicalization. The center’s location, with its proximity to agricultural fields and a small forest, provided an ideal setting for the group to train its militants and plan operations in secrecy.

A teacher who once worked at the madarsa told BBC Urdu that the Subhan Allah complex spans around 20-25 acres, including residential areas for the teachers and a cemetery. The teacher mentioned that just a few days before the attack, the madarsa and mosque were cleared of students and staff, likely to prepare for any potential threat. This indicates that JeM had some awareness of possible military action, but the timing of the Indian operation left them vulnerable.

Local Reactions to the Attack

After the initial blast, local residents in the area heard a second explosion shortly after. Raja Shafqat Mahmood, a local journalist, reported that the intensity of the blasts was so powerful that it shattered the windows of homes located two kilometers away. This level of destruction underscores the effectiveness and precision of the Indian Army’s operation.

While many locals were shocked by the explosions, some expressed relief that the Subhan Allah center had been targeted, given its notorious history as a hub for terror operations.

Masood Azhar and JeM’s Continuing Threat

Masood Azhar’s group, Jaish-e-Mohammad, has been a consistent threat to India, particularly in the Kashmir region. The group has been behind several high-profile attacks, including the Pulwama attack in February 2019, which led to the deaths of 40 CRPF personnel. Despite being banned in Pakistan, JeM has operated with relative impunity, and the Pakistani authorities have often been accused of turning a blind eye to its activities.

Masood Azhar was born in Bahawalpur, and the city remains a significant part of his life. He resides in a heavily secured compound in the city, which has long been a focal point of international concern due to its connection to terrorism.

The Geopolitical Implications of the Attack

The strike on Jaish-e-Mohammad’s Subhan Allah center in Bahawalpur marks a significant escalation in India’s counter-terrorism operations. This attack comes as part of Operation Sindoor, a targeted effort by India to dismantle terror infrastructure across the border in Pakistan. The operation has drawn widespread attention, both domestically and internationally, as it signals India’s resolve to take decisive action against cross-border terrorism.

The Indian government’s decision to carry out such a strike reflects its commitment to ensuring national security and sending a clear message to Pakistan about its stance on terrorism. It also highlights the increasing tensions between the two nations, especially in light of ongoing conflicts in Kashmir and other border areas.

The strike on Jaish-e-Mohammad’s Subhan Allah center in Bahawalpur marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing fight against terrorism. Masood Azhar‘s family and key operatives have been decimated in the attack, sending shockwaves through the terrorist group. While the loss is a significant blow to JeM, it also raises questions about the future direction of the group and its operations. This attack is part of India’s broader strategy to target terrorist bases across the border, and it serves as a reminder of the complexities and risks involved in counter-terrorism efforts.

As the situation develops, Masood Azhar and his followers will likely regroup and respond, but this strike has certainly weakened their operational capabilities. For India, this operation is seen as a strong message of resolve against terrorism, and its impact will continue to shape the India-Pakistan relationship in the coming years.