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In a big revelation highlighting the effect of India’s counter-terrorism campaign, Maulana Masood Azhar, the infamous leader of terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), publicly confirmed that 10 of his immediate family members were eliminated in India’s pinpoint military operation Operation Sindoor. This confirmation, by one of the world’s most wanted terrorists, is a rare and telling admission of India’s direct strike on the center of Pakistan-based terror infrastructure.
Who is Masood Azhar?
Maulana Masood Azhar is the chief and founder of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), a Pakistan-based terrorist group that has carried out numerous fatal attacks on Indian territory, including:
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The 2001 Indian Parliament attack
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The 2016 Pathankot Airbase attack
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The 2019 Pulwama terror attack, which killed 40 CRPF jawans
He has been designated as a UN-designated global terrorist and is infamous for functioning with impunity from Bahawalpur, Pakistan, under the umbrella of Pakistan’s ISI and military establishment.
What Was Operation Sindoor?
Operation Sindoor was a joint tri-services military operation conducted by the Indian Armed Forces on May 7, 2025, as a response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 Indian and foreign civilians.
Key Highlights:
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Launched at 1:05 AM and completed by 1:30 AM
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Targeted nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK)
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Focused strikes on facilities linked to JeM, LeT, and Hizbul Mujahideen.
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Executed by Indian Air Force with deep-penetration bombs and missiles, assisted by Army and naval intelligence
Masood Azhar’s Admission: Who Were Killed?
In a public statement circulated through encrypted channels, Masood Azhar confirmed that 10 of his family members, including women and children, were killed in an airstrike on JeM’s Bahawalpur compound.
Family Members Confirmed Dead:
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Elder Sister
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Sister’s Husband
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Nephew
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Nephew’s Wife
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Niece
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Five Children of extended family
Additionally, four senior JeM commanders were also reported killed. The confirmation of these deaths by Azhar himself validates the accuracy of India’s intelligence and strike precision.
Implications of Azhar’s Admission
Masood Azhar’s acknowledgment has several strategic implications:
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Validation of Operation Success
India’s claim of decimating key terror assets gains credibility. -
Internal Blow to JeM
The loss of family and senior operatives weakens the command structure of JeM. -
Diplomatic Advantage for India
Puts global pressure on Pakistan for harboring UN-designated terrorists. -
Psychological Warfare Win
India has hit where it hurts most, Azhar’s home and family, which sends a strong deterrent signal to other terror masterminds.
Geopolitical Impact
India’s Strategic Victory:
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Public admission from Masood Azhar major intelligence win
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Proves India’s strike precision and intelligence capabilities
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Boosts domestic morale and international image
Pakistan in a Tight Spot:
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Faces renewed global scrutiny for harboring UN-designated terrorists
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Pressure increases from FATF, UN, and G20 allies
Global Response:
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U.S., France, and Israel backed India’s right to self-defense
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UN urged restraint and de-escalation
Why “Operation Sindoor” Matters
“Operation Sindoor” is more than a mere cross-border attack. It is a message of determination, retribution, and respect to victims of terror. India’s assertive military and diplomatic stance marks its move towards offensive-defense, hitting back once attacked, but hitting back with strategic precision.
Conclusion
The acknowledgment by JeM chief Masood Azhar that 10 members of his own family died in India’s Operation Sindoor marks a watershed moment in counterterrorism history. It validates India’s claims, exposes Pakistan’s duplicity, and sends a clear message: terror will not go unpunished.
As India tightens its security apparatus and global diplomacy against terrorism, the fallout of Operation Sindoor is expected to resonate not just in South Asia — but across the world.