Target 5 Annihilated:
Following the Pahalgam attack, the Indian Army launched a strategic airstrike on terrorist stomping grounds in Pakistan and its administered territory. The operation devastated multiple militant hideouts across the border. In a morning press briefing, the Indian military shared an in-depth analysis of the strikes, revealing the decisive missile strikes on key terrorist hubs.
The airstrike obliterated 9 terrorist encampments, including the notorious Markaz Ahle Hadith Barnala affiliated with Lashkar-e-Taiba, situated in Pakistan-administered Jammu and Kashmir's Bhimber District, merely 10 km from the LoC. Let’s delve into the perilous nature of this terrorist haven.
Discover More: How Target 9, Jaish-e-Mohammed's Hideout in PoK, Was Decimated Where Pulwama's Perpetrator Nagar Resided
What Makes Syed Bilal's Markaz Special?
Located in Barnala, PoJK, the Markaz Ahle Hadith is among Lashkar’s crucial centers, aiming at sectors like Poonch, Rajouri, and Reasi in Jammu and Kashmir. It serves as a hub for infiltrating militants and armaments into Indian territory. This stronghold has been an operational platform for militancy and was expertly targeted and dismantled by Indian missiles.
Nestled on the outskirts of Barnala town, on Kote Jemal Road, the Markaz can accommodate 100-150 operatives but usually harbors 40-50 who oversee its terror operations. It also acts as a launchpad for militants before crossing into Indian lands.
Also Explore: Target Number 6: Army Demolishes Jaish's HQ 'Markaz Abbas' Where Ammunition Was Stored under Qari Zarrar
This Terrorist Den is Known as Markaz Ahle Hadith Barnala Lashkar-e-Taiba
Key militants like Qasim Gujjar Mehror, Qasim Khanda, and Anas Zarar operate from this Markaz, residing in surrounding areas. Khubaib Mohammed Amin Butt is another regular presence here. Individuals like Qasim Gujjar and Khubaib have been named under India’s UA(P) Act.
Notorious terrorists like Saifullah Sajid Jatt and Abu Qatal Sindhi orchestrated and executed civilian-targeted assaults. On January 1, 2023, they masterminded a deadly attack in Rajouri's Dhangri, claiming 7 civilian lives. They also targeted a pilgrimage bus in Reasi on June 9, 2024, which resulted in 9 fatalities.
Government reports disclosed that senior Lashkar/Jamaat leaders frequented the Markaz, overseeing Lashkar/Jammat-ud-Dawa/J&K United Movement’s terrorist tactics. Internationally recognized as a terrorist organization, Lashkar was declared so by the UK and US in 2001, India in 2002, and Australia in 2003. Post the 2008 Mumbai attacks, it was listed in the UN Security Council’s Resolution 1267 consolidated list.
