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Operation Sindoor: Complete Breakdown of Terror Targets

Operation Sindoor: A detailed breakdown of India’s May 7, 2025, strike on nine terror camps in Pakistan and PoJK, covering each target’s strategic role, terrorist activities, and the operation’s execution.

By Neeraj Thakur 07 May 2025

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Operation Sindoor | Complete breakdown — Operation Sindoor | Courtesy: (Left) Google Earth | (Right) Government of India

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Operation Sindoor: Complete Details of India’s Anti-Terror Strikes

The much-awaited press briefing by the Indian government on Operation Sindoor was conducted on May 7, 2025, providing critical insights into the military operation targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). The briefing was led by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, alongside two senior women officers of the Indian Armed Forces, Colonel Sophia Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, who detailed the operation’s execution and objectives. The operation was described as a response to the brutal Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, which claimed 26 lives. Below is a detailed account of the nine targeted locations and the strategic importance of these sites.

Target Number 1: Sawai Nala Camp, Muzaffarabad, POJK

The Sawai Nala camp, located 30 kilometers from the Line of Control (LoC) in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), Muzaffarabad, was one of the targets of Operation Sindoor. This facility served as a critical training center for the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), responsible for multiple high-profile attacks in India. The camp was a hub for training militants involved in three significant terrorist attacks: the Sonmarg attack on October 20, 2024, the Gulmarg attack on October 24, 2024, and the Pahalgam attack on April 22, 2025. The camp’s strategic location, nestled deep within PoJK, allowed LeT operatives to train, plan, and execute cross-border terrorist operations with relative impunity, leveraging the region’s rugged terrain and proximity to the LoC for infiltration into Jammu and Kashmir.

The Sonmarg and Gulmarg attacks were devastating assaults that highlighted the Sawai Nala camp’s role in fueling terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. On October 20, 2024, terrorists trained at the Sawai Nala camp targeted a construction site in Sonmarg, a popular tourist destination, killing seven people, including five non-local labourers working on a tunnel project, one soldier, and a civilian. The attack, attributed to LeT, aimed to disrupt infrastructure development and instill fear in the region.

Four days later, on October 24, 2024, Gulmarg, a scenic ski resort, witnessed another LeT-orchestrated attack where terrorists ambushed a military convoy near the Nagin post, killing three soldiers and two civilian porters. Indian authorities linked both attacks to LeT operatives trained at the Sawai Nala camp, with digital traces and intercepted communications pointing to handlers in Muzaffarabad. The camp’s role in these attacks, coupled with its involvement in the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam attack that killed 26 civilians, justified its destruction under Operation Sindoor, which aimed to neutralise terrorist infrastructure and deliver justice for the victims of these brutal assaults.

Target Number 2: Syedna Bilal Camp, Muzaffarabad, POJK

The Syedna Bilal Camp, located opposite the Red Fort in Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), was targeted by the Indian armed forces. Identified as a key staging area for the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), this facility served as a critical hub for weapons training, bomb-making, and jungle survival training for JeM cadres.

The camp was a transit point for 50-100 terrorists at any given time, preparing them for infiltration into Jammu and Kashmir to carry out attacks. The camp’s strategic significance stemmed from its role in coordinating logistics and training, with credible reports indicating the involvement of Pakistan Army’s Special Services Group (SSG) in providing specialised training to JeM operatives. The precision missile strike on the Syedna Bilal Camp aimed to dismantle this nexus between JeM and elements of the Pakistani military, significantly disrupting the group’s ability to orchestrate cross-border terrorism.

Syedna Bilal Camp, Muzaffarabad — The Syedna Bilal Camp, located opposite the Red Fort in Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), was targeted by the Indian armed forces. | Courtesy: Google Earth

The Syedna Bilal Camp, also referred to as Markaz Syedna Bilal, was a well-established facility notorious for hosting high-profile JeM operatives, including figures like Mufti Asghar Khan Kashmiri, a senior JeM commander, and Aashiq Nengroo, a fugitive-turned-handler responsible for coordinating attacks in India. Indian agencies have confirmed the camp’s role in training terrorists responsible for several attacks. The camp’s infrastructure, equipped with dormitories and training grounds, was designed to prepare militants for guerrilla warfare in Kashmir’s rugged terrain.

Target Number 3: Gulpur Training Camp, Kotli, POJK

The Gulpur training camp, situated approximately 30 kilometers from the Line of Control (LoC) in Kotli, Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), was also the target of India’s Operation Sindoor. Identified as a major operational base for Lashkar-e-Taiba, this facility was a launchpad for terrorist activities targeting the Rajouri and Poonch districts of Jammu and Kashmir. The Indian government during its press briefing highlighted the camp’s role in training militants responsible for terror attacks in India, including the April 20, 2023, ambush in Poonch and the June 9, 2024, bus attack on Hindu pilgrims in Reasi.

Kotli Gulpur Camp POJK — Kotli Gulpur Camp, POJK | Courtesy (Top): Government of India | (Bottom): Google Earth

Intelligence reports have confirmed that the Gulpur camp is capable of hosting over 50 trainees at a time, was a hub for suicide bomber training and logistical coordination, making it a critical node in LeT’s terror network. The missile strike on this camp aimed to dismantle its infrastructure, disrupting LeT’s ability to plan and execute attacks in the volatile Rajouri-Poonch sector, which has seen a surge in militancy since 2021.

The April 20, 2023, Poonch attack and the June 9, 2024, Reasi bus attack highlights the Gulpur camp’s deadly influence. On April 20, 2023, LeT-trained terrorists ambushed an Indian Army truck in the Bhata Dhurian forest area of Poonch, killing five soldiers and injuring one in a meticulously planned attack using grenades and automatic weapons. The attackers exploited the dense foliage and hilly terrain to escape, with investigations pointing to training and coordination from the Gulpur camp.

Similarly, the June 9, 2024, attack in Reasi saw LeT operatives, trained at Gulpur, target a bus carrying Hindu pilgrims from the Shiv Khori temple, causing the vehicle to plunge into a gorge. This attack killed nine people, including a child, and injured 41 others. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) linked both attacks to LeT’s Gulpur facility, with digital traces and survivor testimonies indicating handlers in Kotli.

Target Number 4: Barnala Camp, Bhimber, POJK

The Barnala Camp, located approximately 9 kilometers from the Line of Control (LoC) in Bhimber district, Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), was the next target. Identified as a key facility of Lashkar-e-Taiba, the camp, also known as Markaz Ahle Hadith Barnala, was a critical hub for weapons handling, improvised explosive device (IED) training, and jungle survival instruction.

Barnala Camp Bhimbher — The Barnala Camp, located approximately 9 kilometers from the Line of Control (LoC) in Bhimber district, Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) was attacked by the Indian armed forces. | Courtesy: (Top): Government of India | (Bottom): Google Earth

Intelligence agencies have confirmed that the camp, capable of housing 40–150 operatives at a time, was a primary staging ground for infiltrating terrorists and smuggling arms across the LoC. The precision missile strike on the camp aimed to cripple LeT’s operational capacity, targeting infrastructure run by senior operatives like Qasim Gujjar and Anas Jarar, who coordinated attacks in the Jammu region.

The Barnala Camp’s significance was underscored by its involvement in multiple terror incidents. The facility was linked to the training of terrorists responsible for the June 9, 2024, Reasi bus attack, which killed nine Hindu pilgrims, and other IED-based attacks in Poonch and Rajouri, including the April 20, 2023, ambush that killed five Indian soldiers. The camp provided specialised training in guerrilla tactics and explosives, enabling LeT operatives to exploit the forested terrain of Jammu for ambushes and hit-and-run attacks. The camp’s proximity to the LoC facilitated the use of quadcopters for smuggling arms and explosives.

Target Number 5: Abbas Camp, Kotli, POJK

The Abbas Camp, also known as Markaz Abbas or Markaz Saidna Hazrat Abbas Bin Abdul Mutalib, located 13 kilometers from the Line of Control (LoC) in Kotli, Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), was another target under Operation Sindoor. This facility was a terror hub operated by LeT. The camp specialised in training fidayeen (suicide) squads, with a capacity to train approximately 15 terrorists at a time, focusing on ideological indoctrination, weapons handling, and tactical assault techniques.

Kotli Abbas | POJK — The Abbas Camp, also known as Markaz Abbas or Markaz Saidna Hazrat Abbas Bin Abdul Mutalib, located 13 kilometers from the Line of Control (LoC) in Kotli, Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) was targeted by the Indian armed forces during Operation Sindoor | Courtesy: (Top) Government of India | (Bottom) Google Earth

Its proximity to the LoC made it a strategic asset for LeT, enabling the infiltration of trained operatives into Jammu and Kashmir, particularly targeting the Rajouri, Poonch, and Doda sectors. The Abbas Camp’s role in the JeM’s terror ecosystem is underscored by its leadership under Qari Zarar, a close aide of JeM’s operational chief, Mufti Abdul Rauf Asghar, and a wanted terrorist on the National Investigation Agency’s (NIA) list.

Intelligence reports indicated that the camp facilitated the training of fidayeen squads responsible for high-profile attacks. The facility, though smaller in capacity compared to other targets like Barnala, was a nerve center for suicide missions, with training modules tailored for small, highly motivated groups.

Target Number 6: Sarjal Camp, Sialkot, Pakistan

The Sarjal camp, located in Sialkot in Pakistan was targeted by the Indian armed forces next. Operated by Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), this facility served as a major launchpad for terrorist infiltration and the smuggling of arms, ammunition, and narcotics into India via drones. The camp was directly linked to the killing of four Jammu and Kashmir Police personnel in March 2025.

Managed by JeM’s operational commander Mufti Asghar Khan Kashmiri and overseen by JeM deputy chief Mufti Abdul Rauf Asghar, the camp could house 50–100 cadres at a time and was supported by Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and Special Services Group (SSG), which provided training and logistical support.

The March 2025 attack, attributed to terrorists trained at the Sarjal camp, occurred in Kathua, Jammu and Kashmir, on March 27. During the fierce gunbattle, three JeM terrorists ambushed a police unit, killing four policemen and injuring others before being neutralised by security forces. The attack was part of a series of escalating terror incidents in the Jammu region, with the Sarjal camp identified as a key training and coordination hub.

Target Number 7: Mehmoona Joya Camp, Sialkot, Pakistan

Mehmoona Joya, Sialkot, Pakistan — The Mehmoona Joya camp, located 12–18 kilometers from the International Border in Sialkot, Pakistan was targeted by the Indian forces | Courtesy: (Top) Government of India | (Bottom) Google Earth

The Mehmoona Joya camp, located 12–18 kilometers from the International Border in Sialkot, Pakistan was the next target. Identified as a major Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) base, this facility was a critical control center for terrorist activities targeting the Jammu region, particularly Kathua and Doda.

The camp was instrumental in planning and directing the January 2, 2016, Pathankot Air Force base attack, which killed seven Indian security personnel. Operated under HM commander Irfan Tanda and supported by Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), the camp facilitated the infiltration of terrorists and the smuggling of arms via drones, contributing to the recent surge in terror activities in Jammu.

Target Number 8: Markaz Taiba, Muridke, Pakistan

The Markaz Taiba, also known as Masjid wa Markaz Taiba, located in Muridke, Punjab, Pakistan, approximately 18–25 kilometers from the Attari-Wagah International Border, was the next target. This sprawling complex, established in 2000 by Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) under its parent organisation Markaz-ud-Dawa-wal-Irshad, served as the ideological and operational headquarters of the UN-designated terrorist group.

The camp was a key training ground for terrorists involved in the 2008 Mumbai attacks, including Ajmal Kasab and David Coleman Headley. The leaders in the camp imparted ‘Daura-e-Ribbaf’ (intelligence training) to operatives under the guidance of Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). There are reports that the facility was initially partially funded by Osama bin Laden with Rs 10 million for a mosque and guesthouse, housed a madrasa, preaching center, and training grounds, enrolling around 1,000 students annually for radicalisation and terror training.

Markaz Taiba, Muridke, Pakistan — The Markaz Taiba, also known as Masjid wa Markaz Taiba, located in Muridke, Punjab, Pakistan, approximately 18–25 kilometers from the Attari-Wagah International Border was striked by the Indian armed forces as part of Operation Sindoor | Courtesy: (Top) Government of India | (Bottom) Google Earth

The Markaz Taiba’s role in the 2008 Mumbai attacks, which killed 166 people and injured over 300 was extensively documented. Ajmal Kasab, the sole surviving attacker, confessed during interrogation that he underwent training at Muridke in 2007–2008, learning weapons handling, explosives, and guerrilla tactics under LeT commanders like Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi. David Headley, a Pakistani-American conspirator, conducted reconnaissance for the attacks and visited Muridke multiple times between 2005 and 2008, coordinating with LeT leaders and ISI officials, as detailed in his 2010 guilty plea and 2016 deposition to an Indian court. Headley’s testimony, corroborated by Indian and US investigations, revealed that the camp facilitated advanced training for the 10 Mumbai attackers, who targeted sites like the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel and Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus.

Target Number 9: Markaz Subhanallah, Bahawalpur, Pakistan

The Markaz Subhanallah, also known as Jamia Masjid Subhan Allah or the Usman-o-Ali campus, located on the Karachi-Torkham Highway (NH-5) at Karachi Mor, Bahawalpur, Punjab, Pakistan, approximately 100 kilometers from the International Border, was also targeted. This sprawling 18-acre complex served as the operational headquarters of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and was a central hub for recruitment, training, and ideological indoctrination of jihadist operatives.

The facility, home to JeM founder Maulana Masood Azhar and his brother Mufti Abdul Rauf Asghar, housed a grand mosque, a madrasa for over 600 trainees, hostels, a gymnasium, and fortified security posts. The Markaz Subhanallah was a cornerstone of JeM’s terror ecosystem, with satellite imagery revealing significant expansion since 2022, including new training facilities and residences for senior leaders like Masood Azhar, who delivered anti-India speeches here. The camp’s madrasa, Masjid Umm al-Qura, contributed to 20% of JeM’s recruits over two decades, radicalising youth through religious indoctrination and arms training, often with support from Pakistan’s ISI. Its proximity to the Pakistan Army’s 31 Corps headquarters, just a few miles away, raised concerns about state complicity.

Author

Neeraj Thakur

Tags: PoK Operation Sindoor Pakistan Terrorism Pahalgam dow-jones