India identified and strategically targeted nine terrorist hideouts in Pakistan and POK, ultimately taking down each one by one. Among these targets was Markaz Abbas. Known as the Markaz Saydina Hazrat Abbas bin Abdul Mutalib (Markaz Abbas), it was a crucial base for the Jaish-e-Mohammed, located in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir's Kotli region. Situated around 2 kilometers southeast of the Kotli Military Camp, this establishment was effectively obliterated by the army.
According to information from the Indian Army, the structure could accommodate 100-125 Jaish-e-Mohammed operatives, with about 40-50 often present within the complex. Notably, Hafiz Abdul Shakoor, also known as Qari Zarrar, is the head of this Markaz. Others residing here include Qari Maaz (Zarrar's son), Mohammad Mawiya Khan, Tahir Nazir, and Abu Bakr.
The Indian Army's precision was key in dismantling this hazardous hub, a decision informed by the facility's significance in terror operations.
Who is Qari Zarrar?
Qari Zarrar is a Shura member of Jaish-e-Mohammed. Among the founding members, he is a former Harakat-ul-Mujahideen (HuM) terrorist who left HuM to establish JeM alongside Maulana Masood Azhar. Moreover, Qari Zarrar resides in a nearby three-story building next to Markaz Abbas.
Known for orchestrating terrorist attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, Qari Zarrar directly participates in executing these plots. As of November 29, 2016, he is wanted by the NIA for an attack on an Indian Army camp near Baleni Bridge, Nagrota, Jammu. Additionally, he facilitates fundraising for JeM through his Afghan contacts.
Son's Involvement in Afghanistan
Qari Zarrar's son, Moaz, also known as Qari Maaz, was formerly connected to JeM's Afghanistan chapter and is currently in charge of the Northern Kashmir Launching Detachment. Moaz returned from Afghanistan in October 2018.
Markaz Abbas: A Critical Target
This terrorist site was a priority because, following the Pathankot attack, arms and ammunition from Jaish-e-Mohammed were transferred here from Sialkot. When necessary, Qari Zarrar personally transports these weapons back to Sialkot.
Following intelligence reports, the Indian Army strategically chose Markaz Abbas for its key role in harboring terrorist activities and stockpiling ammunition.
What is Jaish-e-Mohammed?
Jaish-e-Mohammed was declared a terrorist organization in October 2001 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (UAPA). Recognized as such by India and other nations, including the USA (October 2001), UK (October 2001), Australia (August 2015), Canada (November 2002), and UAE (November 2014), this militant organization faced international scrutiny. In October 2001, the United Nations also designated it as a terrorist group.
