Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday confirmed that women pilots and soldiers played a crucial role in India’s precision strikes at nine terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) during Operation Sindoor on the intervening night of May 7 and 8.
“Women pilots and other female soldiers played a crucial role in the effective action taken by India against terrorism in Pakistan and PoK during Operation Sindoor,” Rajnath Singh said while addressing the flag-in ceremony of INSV Tarini in Goa.
“Nari Shakti played a crucial role in India’s effective action against terrorism during Operation Sindoor,” he added.
Operation Sindoor
In a strong response to the Pahalgam terror attack, India carried out ‘Operation Sindoor’ against terrorist hideouts in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). Jointly conducted by the three branches of the Indian armed forces, between 1.05 AM and 1.30 AM on May 7, the operation saw India use precision strike weapons system to dismantle terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan. This was followed by a failed drone strike by Pakistan for the next three days, starting May 8. The Indian air defence successfully intercepted and neutralised the Pakistani drones.
Nine Targets For Precision Strikes
1.Markaz Subhan Allah, Bahawalpur: This site has been operational since 2015 and is the main centre of JeM for training and indoctrination and serves as operational headquarter of JeM. The Markaz consists of residences of JeM Chief Maulana Masood Azhar, de-facto Chief of JeM Mufti Abdul Rauf Asghar, Maulana Ammar and other family members of Masood Azhar.
2. Markaz Taiba, Muridke: Established in the year 2000, Markaz Taiba is the ‘alma mater’ and the most important training centre of LeT located in Nangal Sahdan, Muridke, Sheikhupura, Punjab, Pakistan.
3.Sarjal/Tehra Kalan: Located in the Shakargarh Tehsil of Narowal District in Punjab, Pakistan, is the main launching facility of Jaishe-Mohammad (JeM) for infiltration of terrorists into JK.
4. Mehmoona Joya Facility, Sialkot: As another example of Pak-ISI establishing terror facilities in government buildings, Mehmoona Joya facility of Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) is located in premises of Bhutta Kotli Govt. This facility is used for infiltration of HM cadres into the Jammu region of Jammu and Kashmir, reported the news agency, quoting sources.
5. Markaz Ahle Hadith Barnala, Bhimber: It is located at outskirts of Barnala town on Kote Jamel road, is prominent Marjaz of LeT in PoJK and is used for infiltration of LeT terrorists and arms/ammunition into Poonch – RajauriReasi sector.
6. Markaz Abbas, Kotli: It is an important terror facility of JeM located in Kotli. Hafiz Abdul Shakoor @ Qari Zarrar, ‘shura member’ of JeM Council and close associate of JeM top commander Mufti Abdul Rauf Asghar, is head of this Markaz.
7. Maskar Raheel Shahid, Kotli, PoJK: It is one of the oldest facilities of HM. It can accommodate around 150-200 HM terrorists.
8. Shawai Nallah Camp, Muzaffarabad Shawai Nallah Camp: Also known as Bait-ul-Mujahideen, is located near Chelabandi bridge on Muzaffarabad-Neelum Road, Muzaffarabad, PoJK. It is one of the most important camps of LeT.
9. Markaz Syedna Bilal: It is the main centre of JeM in PoJK, located opposite Red Fort, Muzaffarabad. This facility is used as transit camp for JeM terrorists prior to their launching into JK.