Operation Sindoor Fallout: Jaish Commander Breaks Silence on Azhar’s Loss

Ilyas Kashmiri Confirms Operation Sindoor Casualties

In a shocking public confession, Ilyas Kashmiri, a leader of the terrorist group Jaish-e-Mohammed, revealed that the entire family of infamous jihadi Masood Azhar was killed during India’s secret military operation, Operation Sindoor, carried out five months ago in Bahawalpur, Pakistan.

The Airstrike Details

On the night of May 7, the Indian Air Force conducted a precision airstrike targeting Azhar’s family residence, resulting in the deaths of 14 household members. The victims included both the nuclear and extended family of the terrorist, who were reportedly asleep at the time. Security and fire department personnel later confirmed the building was emptied during the strike, indicating the operation occurred at night.

Kashmiri’s Emotional Address

Kashmiri, one of Azhar’s closest aides and head of Jaish-e-Mohammed’s indoctrination division, spoke openly about the operation during a public gathering in Pakistan.

“We must know the sacrifice,” Kashmiri said, recounting that the family was “broken down into little pieces” during the precision targeting of the terrorist infrastructure.

This public acknowledgement comes after months of rumours and unofficial reports regarding the operation’s scale, which no senior Jaish member had previously confirmed.

Context Behind Operation Sindoor

The strike was reportedly launched in response to several terror attacks, including the Pahalgam incident, which caused significant casualties. Indian armed forces targeted terrorist strongholds across Pakistan and PoK, with Bahawalpur being a strategically vital location for militants.

The operation not only dismantled physical infrastructure but also delivered a psychological blow to Jaish-e-Mohammed. Surviving relatives of Azhar are either in hiding or believed to have been killed, leaving the terror network in a weakened state.

Official Silence and Speculation

Pakistani authorities have largely remained silent or downplayed the incident. Kashmiri’s public confession, however, reignites discussions on the effectiveness and scope of India’s anti-terror operations, and raises questions about the future leadership and operational capabilities of Jaish-e-Mohammed, as Masood Azhar has remained underground and largely inactive following the strike.

Implications for India-Pakistan Relations

This revelation marks another turning point in the ongoing clash between India and Pakistan, particularly in the fight against cross-border terrorism. The operation’s success and its psychological impact on Jaish-e-Mohammed could influence geopolitical tensions and the future strategies of both nations in counter-terrorism operations.