Masood Azhar Loses His 10 Family Members as the Indian armed forces carried out a series of missile strikes on Wednesday during ‘Operation Sindoor’, targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK). Among the significant outcomes of this operation was the reported death of ten family members of Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) chief Masood Azhar. In a statement issued in Urdu to the media, Azhar confirmed the casualties, expressing grief but also a staunch resolve to continue his militant activities.
Azhar’s Statement: Grief and Threats
According to the statement, Azhar named his deceased relatives, including his elder sister, her husband, five children, an Islamic scholar nephew, his wife, and niece. Azhar also mentioned the death of his long-time associate Hazifa, along with Hazifa’s mother and two other colleagues. While expressing his sorrow, Azhar accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of targeting innocent civilians. He stated, “I am grieved beyond words, but I am neither sorry nor afraid. I have been praying to Allah that I should have been included in these 14 guests of Allah who become martyrs today.”
Azhar’s rhetoric did not stop at grief; he threatened retaliation, warning that the destruction of the Subhanullah mosque’s fallen minaret would symbolize retribution against India. In his statement, Azhar vowed that the Indian people would face dire consequences, and emphasized that the deaths had not weakened JeM’s resolve. He announced that funeral prayers for the deceased would be held at 4 pm.
Masood Azhar’s family members being buried with full state honours in the presence of the Pakistan army. And Pakistan does not harbour terrorists. pic.twitter.com/CiQ5WNkeBg
— Shining Star (@ShineHamesha) May 7, 2025
Background on Masood Azhar and JeM
Masood Azhar, the founder and leader of Jaish-e-Mohammad, is one of the most wanted terrorists globally. Born in Bahawalpur, Pakistan, Azhar founded JeM in 2000 with the primary objective of annexing Jammu and Kashmir from India. The organization has been responsible for numerous terrorist attacks, including the 2001 Indian Parliament attack, the 2016 Pathankot airbase attack, and the 2019 Pulwama attack, which killed 40 Indian paramilitary personnel.
Funeral prayers for members of UN san. Terrorist Masood Azhar who is responsible for countless deaths in India. Full display of bonhomie bw these terrorists and Pakistan Army. Then, these propagandist will claim they have nothing to do with terrorism. pic.twitter.com/cTrP4Siy1B
— A Singh (@irrationalkidd) May 7, 2025
Azhar’s journey as a terrorist leader began when he was associated with Harkat-ul-Ansar, a terrorist group active in Kashmir during the 1990s. In 1994, Azhar was arrested in India for terror activities, but in 1999, he was released as part of a hostage negotiation when Indian Airlines flight IC-814 was hijacked to Kandahar. Upon his release, Azhar immediately resumed his militant activities and formed JeM.
JeM’s terror network extends beyond the Indian subcontinent. It has been known to collaborate with other militant organizations, including Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), and has connections with global terror outfits like Al-Qaeda. Despite being banned by Pakistan, JeM continues to operate under different aliases and maintains significant influence in terror networks.
Many claims have surfaced on social media that family members of terrorist Maulana Masood Azhar also died in the attack on Bahawalpur Mosque.
No news about Masood Azhar till now. pic.twitter.com/jxIDuXB4SA
— Incognito (@Incognito_qfs) May 7, 2025
Operation Sindoor: Strategic Targeting
Operation Sindoor, launched at approximately 1:44 am on Wednesday, was a coordinated strike aimed at dismantling JeM’s infrastructure. The Indian armed forces conducted precision strikes on nine identified locations, including Muridke, Bahawalpur, Kotli, and Muzaffarabad in PoK. According to a statement by the Ministry of Defence, the operation meticulously avoided targeting any military installations in Pakistan, focusing solely on terror camps.
Following the missile strikes, the Pakistan Army responded with heavy mortar shelling along the Line of Control (LoC), particularly in Uri, Karnah, Poonch, and Rajouri. The shelling resulted in the death of seven civilians and injured 38 others in the Poonch district. The Indian Air Force has since taken control of the Srinagar airport, suspending civilian flights until May 10 as a precaution.
Jammu and Kashmir’s Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha reviewed the security situation along the LoC, directing the local administration to relocate civilians from vulnerable areas to safer locations. The escalation has led to heightened tensions along the border, with the Indian forces remaining on high alert to counter any retaliatory actions from Pakistan.
|Also Read : INDIA DESTROYS TERROR FACILITIES, ARMY GIVES DETAILS OF THE CAMPS DESTROYED (VIDEO INSIDE) |
Global Reaction and Strategic Implications
Operation Sindoor marks one of the most significant military actions undertaken by India against terror outfits within PoK. The elimination of Azhar’s family members underscores the personal impact on JeM’s leadership and could influence the group’s operational dynamics. However, Azhar’s response indicates a likely escalation in terror activities as retaliation.
Internationally, India’s operation has drawn varied reactions, with some countries expressing concerns over the potential for increased cross-border violence. Nonetheless, India’s stance remains firm on targeting terror networks while minimizing civilian casualties.
Conclusion: A Calculated Strike Against Terror
Operation Sindoor demonstrates India’s commitment to combating terrorism, particularly against leaders who continue to orchestrate violent acts across borders. While Azhar’s loss may embolden JeM’s core followers, it also sends a clear message about India’s resolve. As the situation unfolds, security agencies remain vigilant, aware that this operation may provoke further attempts at destabilization by militant groups.
