Located near Karachi Mor on NH-5 (Karachi-Torkham Highway), Bahawalpur, Punjab, Pakistan, Markaz Subhan Allah is the main training and propaganda center for Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), covering an area of 15 acres. This center serves as JeM's operational headquarters and has been linked to several terrorist plans, including the February 14, 2019 Pulwama attack.
Overview of Markaz Subhan Allah
Location:
NH-5, Karachi Mor, Bahawalpur, Punjab, Pakistan.
Established:
2015 with support from Pakistan's provincial and federal governments, along with funds raised from Gulf, African countries (including the UK).
Main Functions:
Training youth for JeM, propagating ideologies, and planning terrorist activities.
Capacity:
Over 600 cadres (terrorists) live and train in this complex.
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Source: aajtak
Key Features
Accommodation:
Key leaders of Jaish-e-Mohammed,
Maulana Masood Azhar:
Chief of Jaish (currently in protective custody of Pakistani authorities in Islamabad/Rawalpindi)
Mufti Abdul Rauf Asghar:
De-facto leader of JeM.
Yusuf Azhar (Ustad Ghauri):
Masood Azhar's brother-in-law and head of JeM's armed wing.
Maulana Ammar:
Brother of Masood Azhar.
Maulana Talha Saif:
Younger brother of Masood Azhar.
Mohammad Abdullah bin Masood:
Son of Masood Azhar.
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Training Facilities
Weapons Training:
Training in rifles, rocket launchers, and explosives. Facilities include a gymnasium (since March 2018), swimming pool (since July 2018), and deep-water diving courses.
Religious Training:
Molana Rafiq Ullah has been imparting radical ideologies as the chief instructor since mid-2022.
Other Training:
Includes a 6-day archery training, horseback riding (stables and riding grounds since May 2022), and 'Al Hijama' center (pressure cupping therapy since 2019).
Terrorist Activities:
Markaz Subhan Allah served as a training center for the 2019 Pulwama attack, which resulted in the martyrdom of 40 CRPF personnel.
Source: aajtak
Recent Activities
30 November 2024:
Maulana Masood Azhar addressed JeM cadres at Markaz Subhan Allah after two years, issuing provocative statements against India and reiterating revenge for the Babri Masjid demolition. Also present were Maulana Talha Saif, Mohammad Abdullah bin Masood, and other JeM operatives. Masood Azhar's last public address was at Markaz Usman-o-Ali during the Khatam-e-Nabuwwat conference.
Strategic Importance of Markaz Subhan Allah
Terrorist Hub:
The most vital operational and training center for JeM, providing arms, physical, and religious training. Supported by Pakistan's provincial and federal governments, operating under ISI's protection.
Click here for extensive coverage of 'Operation Sindoor'
Pulwama Attack:
This center trained terrorists responsible for the 2019 Pulwama attack, followed by India's Balakot airstrike.
Targets in Operation Sindoor:
On May 7, 2025, Markaz Subhan Allah was targeted under Operation Sindoor by the Indian Air Force, employing special munitions like Scalp and Hammer missiles.
Attack on Markaz Subhan Allah in Operation Sindoor
Operation Sindoor launched a precise military mission on May 7, 2025, aimed at dismantling Jaish-e-Mohammed's terror network. The operation responded to the April 22, 2025 terrorist attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives. Markaz Subhan Allah was the primary target of this mission.
Source: aajtak
Details of the Attack
Targeted the training camps, weapons depots, and command centers of Markaz Subhan Allah. Identified hideouts of JeM's senior leaders like Mufti Abdul Rauf Asghar and Yusuf Azhar. Over 600 cadres resided in this complex.
Weapons Used
Scalp Cruise Missile:
Launched from Rafale jets with a 250-560 km range and stealth design. Used to destroy deep command centers and bunkers.
Hammer Missile:
20-70 km range with laser and infrared guidance, used to target bunkers and smaller targets like training facilities.
BrahMos Missile:
Supersonic speed and 400 km range for destroying weapon depots.
SPICE 2000 and Popeye Bombs:
Deployed from Mirage 2000 jets for precise targeting.
Drone-Based Micro-Munitions:
Heron drones employed to destroy small but significant targets.
Source: aajtak
Damage Inflicted
Structural Destruction:
Satellite imagery confirmed the complete destruction of training camps, gymnasium, swimming pool, and weapon depots at Markaz Subhan Allah.
Casualties among Terrorists:
It is estimated that 200-300 terrorists, including senior leaders like Mufti Abdul Rauf Asghar and Yusuf Azhar, may have been killed.
Psychological Impact:
The attack delivered a significant blow to JeM and ISI, with India executing a precise strike 150 km deep.
Pakistani Response:
Pakistan denied any damage, but local reports confirmed the destruction. DG ISPR Major General Asif Ghafoor claimed there was no major loss.
Future Challenges
After the 2019 Balakot strike, Pakistan conducted an air raid. Similar retaliation is anticipated following Operation Sindoor. JeM may regroup under new names (like TRF). India will need to increase diplomatic efforts to justify its actions. The attack could escalate terrorist activities in Kashmir.
