India's Surgical Strikes: Decimating Terror Hubs in Pakistan

Satellite images from Maxar Technologies, accessed by Reuters, document the aftermath of India's precise missile strikes that have devastated terror infrastructure in Pakistan's Bahawalpur and Muridke. The operation, codenamed 'Operation Sindoor', was conducted in the early hours of Wednesday. These strikes specifically targeted the strongholds of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, in which 26 people, mostly tourists, lost their lives.

Satellite images depict significant damage to the Jamia Masjid Subhan Allah, the operational base of JeM in Bahawalpur. The pre-strike visuals reveal an intact mosque, starkly contrasted by post-strike images that show gaping holes in its dome, widespread debris, and collapsed buildings. Colonel Sofiya Qureshi of the Indian Army confirmed the destruction of this key terrorist hub during a press briefing, emphasizing its role as a training and indoctrination center for JeM, known for its involvement in several high-profile attacks, including the Pulwama attack of 2019.

In Muridke, another significant target was the Markaz Taiba, the main training ground of LeT. Pre-strike satellite images showed a sprawling complex of multiple facilities, which post-strike visuals now reveal as extensively damaged. Highlighting the importance of this site, Colonel Qureshi noted that the complex was instrumental in preparing those involved in the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, including Ajmal Kasab and David Headley. The destruction of these facilities underlines India's strategic resolve to neutralize terrorist threats originating from Pakistan.

(With inputs from agencies.)