New Delhi: On Wednesday, the Indian military conducted strikes on nine terrorist locations in Pakistan and areas occupied by Pakistan in Kashmir. The Ministry of Defence stated in a release that “targeted strikes” were aimed at terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and PoK, addressing the origins of cross-border terror operations. But what led India to select these locations? Here’s a comprehensive explanation of the importance of these locations and their functions in promoting terrorism in India
1. Markaz Subhan Allah Bahawalpur:
Markaz Subhan Allah, located on NH-5 near Karachi Mor, Bahawalpur, Punjab, Pakistan, spans 15 acres and serves as a key operational hub for the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), focusing on training and indoctrinating youth. The center is associated with terrorist activities, notably the Pulwama attack, where attackers were trained. Accommodating over 600 members and the residences of key officials, the Markaz is led by chief instructor Maulana Rafiqullah since mid-2022, situated roughly 100.4 km from IB across Khajuwala, Bikaner, Rajasthan.
2. Markaz Taiba, Muridke
Founded in 2000, Markaz Taiba serves as the main training facility for the LeT, situated in Nangal Sahdan, Muridke, Sheikhupura. Covering 82 acres, it features a madrassa, a marketplace, living quarters for terrorists, sports amenities, a fish farm, and farming zones. The facility includes training centers for weaponry, physical fitness, and indoctrination, serving people from Pakistan and overseas. It serves as a center for radicalizing students to inspire their participation in armed jihad, essentially operating as a terror production facility. Significantly, the attackers of the 26/11 Mumbai incident, among them Ajmal Kasab, underwent intelligence training in this location under the guidance of Pakistan's ISI.
3. Sarjal/Tehra Kalan
The Sarjal or Tehra Kalan facility in Shakargarh, District Narowal, Punjab, Pakistan, is a key launching site for the infiltration of terrorists by Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) into Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). Situated within a primary health center in Tehra Kalan Village, the facility is designed to mask its true purpose. Backed by the Pakistani ISI, similar launch sites have been established in government buildings along the International Border (IB) and Line of Control (LoC) to conceal terror infrastructure.
This facility is just 6 kilometers from the IB in Samba Sector, serving as a base for digging cross-border tunnels used for terrorist infiltration. It is part of a network developed by the ISI and JeM to transport operatives into India. Additionally, the facility acts as a launching point for drones to drop weapons and supplies into Indian territory. Notable commanders, including Mohammad Adnan Ali and Kashif Jan, frequently visit, under the supervision of Mufti Abdul Rauf Asghar, the de facto chief of JeM.
4. Mehmoona Joya Facility, Sialkot
The Mehmoona Joya facility of Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) is situated near the Kotli Bhutta Govt. Hospital in Sialkot District, Punjab, Pakistan. Supported by the Pak ISI, this facility disguises terror infrastructure among government buildings along the IB and LoC. It operates as a launchpad for infiltrating HM cadres into Jammu, J&K, where they receive training in terrorist operations and weapon handling. The facility is led by Mohd. Irfan Khan, alias Irfan Tanda, known for orchestrating numerous attacks, including a deadly bombing on 26 January 1995 at the Maulana Azad Stadium, resulting in multiple casualties. Other commanders include Atta Al Rehman Alfezey and Maaz Bhai, facilitating further infiltration.
5. Markaz Ahle Hadith Barnala, Bhimber
Markaz Ahle Hadith, located on the outskirts of Barnala in PoJK, serves as a significant hub for Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) activities, facilitating the infiltration of terrorists and weaponry into the Poonch-Rajouri-Reasi area. Positioned 500 metres from Barnala and 200 metres from Kote Jamel road, it can host 100-150 cadres, with 40-50 often present to oversee terror operations. The Markaz also functions as a staging area for terrorists prior to their crossing into Indian territory, with operatives like Qasim Gujjar and Anas Jarar active in the region.
6. Markaz Abbas, Kotli
Markaz Saidna Hazrat Abbas Bin Abdul Mutalib (Markaz Abbas) in Mohalla Roli Dhara Bypass Road, Kotli, PoJK, is about 2 km southeast of Kotli Military Camp. It accommodates 100-125 JeM cadres, with 40-50 present at all times. Post-Pathankot attack, JeM's arms stores from Daska have been moved to this Markaz, with Qari Zarrar transporting arms to Sialkot as needed.
7. Maskar Raheel Shahid, Located in Kotli District
Maskar Rahil Shahid, situated about 2.5 kilometers from Mahuli Puli in Kotli District, PoJK, is one of Hizbul Mujahideen’s oldest and most secluded facilities, accessible via a kutcha track. Nestled in a hilly region, the camp features barracks, four rooms for storing arms and ammunition, an office, and residential quarters for terrorists. A newly built accommodation facility for instructors and cadres exists, with a designated electricity line provided in this remote area, which is covered by dense forests. It can host 150-200 HM terrorists, though typically 25-30 are present, overseeing organized activities. The camp specializes in arms training, physical endurance, BAT/sniping actions, hill combat, and survival training.
8. Shawai Nallah Cam in Muzaffarabad
Shawai Nallah Camp, operational since the early 2000s, is a key facility for the recruitment, registration, and training of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) cadres. Located near the Chelabandi bridge on the Muzaffarabad-Neelum Road in PoJK, it is also known as Huzaifa Bin Yemen and Bait-ul-Mujahideen. The camp features a firing range, training ground, and LeT Madrassa, accommodating both trainees and senior instructors. It serves as the base for Daura-e-Aam training, covering religious indoctrination and various tactical skills, including GPS usage, map reading, and arms training. Hafiz Saeed typically welcomes new inductees, and after initial training, they are sent to other camps for further instruction. It is occasionally used for specialized weapons training, with support from the Pakistani military.
9. Markaz Syedna Bilal
Syedna Bilal Masjid serves as the primary hub for the JeM in PoJK, positioned across from the Red Fort in Muzaffarabad. Le bureau et camp de transit de JeM se trouvent au premier étage, à côté du bâtiment de la mosquée Syedna Bilal.
This site serves as a transit camp for JeM militants prior to their entry into J&K. At any given moment, 50-100 operatives stay at this location. Moreover, training is conducted here by the Pakistani Special Forces, SSG, as evidenced by the images obtained from the phones of slain JeM terrorists.
