In Operation Sindoor, Indian military attacked facilities that were deeply rooted among civilians, usually camouflaged as Primary Health Centres (PHCs) or Basic Health Units (BHUs). Terrorist training camps in Pakistan offered guerrilla warfare training, programs for radicalization, and support for logistics to infiltrators active in Kashmir.
Importantly, most of these camps had employed high-frequency communication networks in order to stay in touch with sleeper cells operating within India. Commanders like Masood Azhar, Hafiz Abdul Shakoor, and Mohammad Irfan Khan would often monitor training exercises, highlighting the role of such camps as key players in Pakistan’s proxy war across the region.
Nine Terror Facilities Targeted in Operation Sindoor
1. Markaz Subhan Allah – Bahawalpur
JeM’s central hub, this facility has operated since 2015 and served as a planning ground for high-profile attacks including Pulwama. Masood Azhar and senior commanders use this site for speeches, recruitment, and arms training.
2. Markaz Taiba – Muridke
This LeT complex was established in 2000 and played a key role in training the 26/11 Mumbai attackers. It continues to enroll hundreds of youth annually for arms and ideological training. Significantly, Osama bin Laden helped finance its construction.
3. Sarjal / Tehra Kalan – Narowal District
Just 6 km from the Indian border near Samba, this JeM site operates from a PHC. It facilitates tunnel digging, drone launches, and weapons smuggling. JeM leaders regularly visit to supervise activities.
4. Mehmoona Joya Facility – Sialkot
Operating within a BHU in Sialkot, this Hizbul Mujahideen camp trains militants in tactics meant for infiltration into Pahalgam and Jammu. Led by Mohammad Irfan Khan, it usually houses 20–25 fighters.
5. Markaz Ahle Hadith – Barnala, Bhimber
This LeT facility supports infiltration into the Poonch–Rajouri–Reasi sector. Despite its rural location, it can accommodate 100–150 militants and is managed by seasoned operatives.
6. Markaz Abbas – Kotli
Run by JeM’s Hafiz Abdul Shakoor, this location plans infiltration attempts targeting Indian forces in the LoC region. It remains one of JeM’s most important forward bases in PoK.
7. Maskar Raheel Shahid – Kotli
This long-running Hizbul Mujahideen camp trains militants in sniping, BAT operations, and survival skills. The location mirrors the hilly terrain of Pahalgam, making it ideal for preparing cross-border incursions.
8. Shawai Nallah Camp – Muzaffarabad
Also called Bait-ul-Mujahideen, this LeT camp focuses on ideological training and operational tactics. The 26/11 terrorists trained here. It serves as a launchpad for North Kashmir infiltrations.
9. Markaz Syedna Bilal – Muzaffarabad
This JeM-run transit camp prepares militants for final-stage infiltration. Positioned strategically opposite Muzaffarabad’s Red Fort, the site also hosts Indian fugitives and is used by Pakistan’s Special Services Group (SSG) for advanced training
