Behind ‘Operation Sindoor’: Why India targeted JeM’s terror HQ in Bahawalpur
India’s powerful counter-terror operation, codenamed Operation Sindoor, struck at the heart of cross-border terrorism on May 7. Among the nine terror sites hit, one of the most significant was Markaz Subhan Allah, a sprawling 15-acre terrorist training hub on the outskirts of Bahawalpur, Pakistan. Here’s why this facility was a key target:
1. Operational headquarters of Jaish-e-Mohammed
Markaz Subhan Allah is not just another terror hideout, it is the main operational base of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), one of the most active and deadly Pakistan-based terrorist groups. Located at Karachi Mor on the NH-5 Highway near Bahawalpur, it functions as the central command for JeM’s terror planning, recruitment, training, and indoctrination operations. The perpetrators of the 2019 Pulwama attack, which killed 40 CRPF personnel, were trained at this very facility.
2. Home to JeM’s top leadership
The complex also houses the residences of Maulana Masood Azhar, JeM’s de jure chief, and his inner circle, including:
Mufti Abdul Rauf Asghar: the de-facto head of JeM
Maulana Ammar: senior JeM leader
Yusuf Azhar (Ustad Ghouri): chief of JeM’s armed wing
These figures have been key masterminds behind anti-India terror plots for over two decades. Though Masood Azhar is reportedly in Pakistani “protective custody” in Islamabad, the core operations of JeM are conducted from Markaz Subhan Allah by his close relatives and associates.
3. Advanced terror training infrastructure
Markaz Subhan Allah isn’t just a base, it's a fully equipped terror training campus. Since 2015, it has expanded into a sophisticated training center.
In March 2018, a gymnasium was established inside the Markaz. It also has a swimming pool since July 2018 for imparting rigorous swimming and deep-water diving courses for JeM cadres. JeM also imparts 6 days archery training to its cadres and Shura members at the Markaz. In 2019, a new 'Al Hijama' Centre (Treatment by use of Pressure Cupping) was established inside the Markaz. Horse stables and Riding Ground were built in May 2022.
Over 600 JeM cadres reside and train here regularly. JeM’s Afghanistan-linked commanders also use the facility for meetings and weapon procurement operations, including arms smuggling of NATO-grade M4 rifles from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
4. Repeated anti-India rhetoric and mobilisation
In November 2024, Masood Azhar addressed a large congregation of JeM cadres at Markaz Subhan Allah for the first time in two years. During this event, calls for revenge over the Babri Masjid demolition was openly issued. The event was attended by Maulana Talha Saif (younger brother of MMA), Mohd. Abdullah Bin Masood (s/o MMA) and other JeM operatives.
5. Historic links to major attacks on India
The Markaz has a long history of harbouring individuals responsible for high-profile fidayeen (suicide) attacks in India. Some of the most dangerous terrorists, including Masood Azhar’s nephews- Talha Rasheed, Usman, Umar, and Mohammad Ismail @ Lambu — were indoctrinated here before being sent for advanced training to Balakot. These operatives were part of JeM’s suicide squads that executed lethal attacks inside Indian territory.
6. Internationally recognised as a terror entity
JeM has been proscribed as a terrorist organisation under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (UAPA) in Oct 2001. The organisation has also been designated as a terrorist organisation by various countries. Among others, these include the USA (October, 2001), UK (October, 2001), Australia (August, 2015), Canada (November, 2002) and UAE (November, 2014). JeM was listed as a terrorist organisation by the UN in October 2001. The chief of the organisation, Maulana Masood Azhar, was also designated under UNSCR 1267 in May 2019.
The organization was ostensibly banned by Pakistan in January, 2002 under international pressure after the group carried out a terror attack on the Indian Parliament in December, 2001.
JeM continues to carry out its terror activities from its headquarters in Markaz Subhan Allah, Bahawalpur which is serves as a hub from terror indoctrination and training.