Late Tuesday night, the Indian Armed Forces launched a significant airstrike on terrorist hotspots within Pakistan, a joint operation called Operation Sindoor. Among the nine targeted locations, Muridke was highlighted as the Lashkar headquarters, where Osama bin Laden had donated ten million rupees toward its construction.
Situated about 33 kilometers from Lahore on the historic Grand Trunk Road, Muridke stands as the headquarters of Lashkar-e-Taiba, referred to as 'Markaz-e-Taiba'. Laden's million-rupee contribution was crucial for the mosque and guesthouse development.
The ISI of Pakistan trained Ajmal Kasab and all culprits of the 2008 Mumbai terrorist attacks here. This campus, similar to Jaish's Bahawalpur headquarters, acts as Lashkar's ideological, logistical, and operational center, where hundreds are recruited from Pakistan and Kashmir and trained for terrorist missions.
Spanning approximately 200 acres, this site ranks among the world's largest terrorist bases. Established in the late 1980s by Hafiz Saeed with ISI assistance and external funding, it continues to be a key location.
Satellite imagery reveals that Markaz is a modern township-like facility. The focal point is a mosque, surrounded by schools, training centers, and open grounds for warfare training. The complex includes a hospital, offices, banks, and other business entities.
