Operation Sindoor Target Number 8:
Every Indian today feels proud of the success of 'Operation Sindoor.' India targeted nine terrorist hideouts in Pakistan, avenging attacks like Pahalgam, Pulwama, Pathankot, and the 26/11 Mumbai strike. Among these targets was the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) camp at Shawai Nala in Muzaffarabad, Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), where the notorious terrorist Ajmal Kasab received training before his involvement in the Mumbai attacks.
Where is the Shawai Nala Terrorist Camp of Lashkar?
The Shawai Nala Camp is located near the Chelabandi Bridge on the Muzaffarabad-Neelum road in PoJK. Also known as Huzayfa bin Yaman and Bait-ul-Mujahideen Camp, it includes a firing range, training grounds, a madrassa operated by Lashkar, and about 40 rooms. Residential facilities for terrorist commanders and trainers are also available there.
This camp was pivotal in preparing notorious terrorists, acting under the support and supervision of Pakistani intelligence.
Lashkar-e-Taiba's Shawai Nala Camp's Operation for 25 Years
Since its activation in 2000, the Shawai Nala Camp has been an essential training center, recruiting and indoctrinating young individuals to spread terror. It notably trained terrorists like Ajmal Kasab from the 26/11 attacks.
The camp's training program featured religious indoctrination, physical training, GPS and map reading techniques, and weapons handling, including rifles and grenades. Hafiz Saeed, the Lashkar chief, usually welcomed new recruits. After initial training, they were sent to other camps for further grooming. Special weapons training and refresher courses for seasoned commanders were periodically conducted.
Role of the Pakistani Army and ISI
It is reported that the ISI, Pakistan's intelligence agency, facilitated military trainers to Lashkar's camp to impart weapons training. This location, with Pakistani backing, served as a vital kernel for fostering terror activities.
Shawai Nala Camp with 200-250 Terrorists
The camp can house 200-250 terrorists, with routine occupancy ranging from 50-100 individuals involved in various terror activities. Since 2023, activity at the camp has surged, with construction underway to accommodate more terrorists. It serves as a staging ground for operatives infiltrating into India, launching from bases near the northern Kashmir border.
Lashkar Commander Abu Dujana's Command
Lashkar Commander Abu Dujana oversaw the Shawai Nala Camp with the assistance of Kamar Bhai, responsible for monitoring the training programs. Regular visits from various Lashkar commanders were common. The operational wing of Lashkar, Jamaat-ud-Dawa, from Chelabandi, Muzaffarabad, aided in the camp’s management.
Despite being declared a terrorist organization by several countries post-2008 Mumbai attacks, and restricted under UN Security Council Resolution 1267, hubs like Shawai Nala continue their activities covertly.
India’s Retaliation
On the night of May 7, 2025, India targeted Shawai Nala Camp under 'Operation Sindoor,' obliterating this significant training center in a precise strike. This was a retaliation for the terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025, which claimed 26 lives.
