Why India chose these nine terror hubs in Pakistan, PoK

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Why India chose these nine terror hubs in Pakistan, PoK



Significance of these nine targets1. Markaz Subhan Allah, BahawalpurOperational since 2015, this is JeM’s primary training and indoctrination hub and functions as its de facto headquarters. It is closely linked to past attacks, including the 2019 Pulwama suicide bombing. The facility houses JeM chief Masood Azhar and other senior leadership. Azhar has made several anti-India speeches from here, calling for jihad and recruiting youth. The site hosts regular arms and religious training.2. Markaz Taiba, MuridkeEstablished in 2000 in Sheikhupura, Punjab, this is LeT’s most significant training facility, enrolling nearly 1,000 individuals annually. It offers arms training, religious indoctrination, and radicalisation. Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden reportedly contributed ₹10 million for building a mosque and guest house here. The centre trained perpetrators of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, including Ajmal Kasab, under ISI oversight.3. Sarjal, Tehra KalanThis JeM facility in Narowal District operates out of a Primary Health Centre and lies just 6 km from the International Border in Samba, Jammu. It serves as a key launching site for cross-border tunnel infiltration and drone-based arms and narcotics drops. JeM commanders Mohammad Adnan Ali and Kashif Jan frequent the site, which is overseen by de facto chief Mufti Abdul Rauf Asghar.4. Mehmoona Joya, SialkotLocated within Bhutta Kotli government premises, this Hizbul Mujahideen camp trains militants and oversees infiltration into Jammu. Commanded by Mohd Irfan Khan, alias Irfan Tanda, the facility houses around 20–25 armed militants at any given time.5. Markaz Ahle Hadith Barnala, BhimberSituated on the outskirts of Barnala in PoK, this LeT camp is used to launch militants and smuggle weapons into Poonch, Rajouri, and Reasi sectors. Operational commanders frequent the facility, which accommodates 100–150 cadres and plays a key role in LeT activities in the region.6. Markaz Abbas, KotliA major JeM hub headed by Qari Zarrar, a senior member of the JeM council and close aide of Mufti Abdul Rauf Asghar. Zarrar is wanted by India’s National Investigation Agency. The site supports infiltration routes through Poonch and Rajouri and can host up to 125 militants.7. Maskar Raheel Shahid, KotliOne of HM’s oldest camps, this facility trains 150–200 cadres in arms handling, sniping, and survival tactics suited for mountain warfare. It plays a key role in equipping militants for cross-border incursions.8. Shawai Nallah Camp, MuzaffarabadAlso known as Bait-ul-Mujahideen, this LeT camp is situated near the Chelabandi bridge on the Muzaffarabad–Neelum Road. It trained 26/11 attackers, including Ajmal Kasab.Operational since the early 2000s, the site accommodates up to 250 trainees, providing ideological and military instruction. Pakistan Army trainers are known to assist in weapons training here.9. Markaz Syedna Bilal, MuzaffarabadThis JeM transit facility lies opposite Red Fort in Muzaffarabad. Typically housing 50–100 cadres, it is overseen by Mufti Asghar Khan Kashmiri and supports launch operations into Jammu and Kashmir.Fugitive militant Aashiq Nengroo and other senior figures operate from here. The facility is also used by Pakistan Army’s elite Special Services Group (SSG) for training JeM fighters.



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