Operation Sindoor Target Number 7:
On the night of May 7, 2025, the Indian Air Force launched a daring assault known as 'Operation Sindoor,' targeting nine terror bases, with Masqar Raheel Shahid standing as the seventh target. Located in the Kotli district of PoJK, Masqar Raheel Shahid was a pivotal terror training camp for Hizbul Mujahedeen (HM), which India effectively obliterated.
Where was Hizbul Mujahedeen's Target Number 7 hideout?
Nestled in an isolated area amidst dense forests in the hilly terrain, the Masqar Raheel Shahid training camp of Hizbul Mujahedeen was accessible only via a narrow path. It lay approximately 2.5 km away from the bridge on Mirpur-Kotli road over the Mahuli stream. This stronghold was proximal to the border regions of Jammu and Kashmir, India, where Indian security forces are stationed, such as Poonch, Rajauri, and other LoC districts.
Read about Target Number 3: The army obliterated the JeM launch site directly from where terrorists were sent.
Ammunition-filled Four Rooms
This camp held historical significance as an old Hizbul Mujahedeen training center. It was equipped with barracks and four rooms filled with weapons, ammunition, serving as a training ground for militants. Additionally, a separate building provided accommodation. Electricity lines were separately arranged for this secluded camp. Reports suggest it was structured to house 150-200 militants simultaneously, with a regular presence of 25-30 monitoring terror activities.
Read about Target Number 4: An Indian missile wreaked havoc on the Sialkot terrorist base that facilitated infiltration.
Masqar Raheel Shahid was pivotal in offering physical training and weapon handling expertise to terrorists. The camp was renowned for its training specialization in Border Action Team (BAT) and sniping operations. The militants also received training in mountain warfare and survival skills in the nearby hilly areas. This camp was significant in planning terrorist attacks against India.
Abu Maj and Abdul Rahman Trained the Militants
Originally, Hizbul Mujahedeen's chief, Syed Salahuddin, used to greet new recruits and oversee their training. Presently, the camp's supervision had been delegated to Abu Maj and Abdul Rahman, focusing primarily on BAT operations aimed at Indian security forces stationed at the borders.
Read about Target-5: The Lashkar-e-Taiba camp from where fighters were sent to Poonch in Kashmir was decimated by an Indian missile.
A New Building for Additional Gazan Gunmen
Recently, construction work was witnessed at the camp to accommodate more militants. Posters, photos, and videos of fallen Hizbul militants were preserved here to radicalize new recruits and inspire a violent ‘Jihad’ against India.
Read about Target Number-6: The army obliterated the Jaish hideout 'Markaz Abbas' where Qari Zarrar stored ammunition.
Targeted by India for Years
In June 2017, Syed Salahuddin, Hizbul's chief, was designated as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) by the United States. Hizbul Mujahedeen, despite its operations from bases like Masqar Raheel Shahid, continued open terrorist training and attack planning against India. This base was demolished in a counteroffensive response by India against the Pahalgam terrorist attacks, marking a significant victory for the Indian Air Force.
