India’s Surgical Air Strikes Eliminate Key Terror Operatives in Pakistan

In a dramatic escalation following repeated provocations by Pakistan, India launched precision air strikes on May 7 under Operation Sindoor, targeting terrorist infrastructure and eliminating several high-profile terrorists associated with proscribed outfits Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed.

Among those killed was Mudassar Khadian Khas, alias Abu Jundal, the in-charge of Markaz Taiba in Muridke and a senior Lashkar-e-Taiba figure. His funeral, held with state honours and attended by senior Pakistani military and police officials, drew sharp criticism in India for Pakistan’s open patronage of terrorists. Wreaths were reportedly laid on behalf of Pakistan’s Army Chief and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, while a designated global terrorist led the funeral prayer.

Also eliminated was Hafiz Muhammad Jameel, a senior Jaish-e-Mohammed operative and brother-in-law of Maulana Masood Azhar. Jameel headed the Subhan Allah center in Bahawalpur and was deeply involved in radicalization and funding operations.

Mohammad Yusuf Azhar, also known as Ustad Ji and a key figure in JeM’s arms training and operations, was another prominent casualty. A relative of Masood Azhar and a wanted accused in the 1999 IC-814 hijacking, Yusuf played a central role in orchestrating terror attacks in Jammu & Kashmir.

The list further includes Khalid alias Abu Akasha, a Lashkar militant involved in Afghan arms smuggling, and Mohammad Hassan Khan, son of JeM commander Mufti Asghar Kashmiri, both of whom were implicated in orchestrating attacks in Indian-administered Kashmir.

The Indian government confirmed that the air strikes also hit Pakistani military bases at Nur Khan, Rahim Yar Khan, Rafiqui, Murid, and Sialkot, along with radar sites at Pasrur and Chunian. Wing Commander Vyomika Singh stated that these retaliatory actions were prompted by high-speed missile and drone attacks from Pakistan on Indian military and civilian infrastructure, including medical centers and schools.

Colonel Sofiya Qureshi confirmed that Indian air strikes were carried out with precision, ensuring minimal collateral damage while degrading Pakistan’s offensive capabilities. Indian Air Force stations in Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir suffered limited damage due to Pakistani aggression, but key installations like Sirsa and Suratgarh remain fully operational, refuting Pakistani disinformation.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri condemned Pakistan’s “tissue of lies,” false narratives about Indian casualties, and its continued efforts to target civilian infrastructure and spread sectarian tension. He reiterated India’s stance on de-escalation, contingent on Pakistan halting its provocations.

As India’s Armed Forces remain on high alert, the success of the targeted strikes has sent a clear signal—New Delhi will respond with resolve and clarity to cross-border terror and military aggression.