Shillong, May 8: Abdul Rauf Azhar, a senior commander of Jaish-e-Mohammed(JeM) and the alleged mastermind behind the 1999 Indian Airlines Flight IC-814 hijacking, has reportedly been killed during India’s Operation Sindoor, according to multiple media reports. The operation, launched in retaliation for the recent Pahalgam terror attack, targeted several terror infrastructure sites across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
Azhar, the younger brother of Jem chief Masood Azhar, was reportedly killed in Bahawalpur, Punjab province, during precision strikes on Jem facilities. He had been a significant figure in Jem’s operations, especially after his brother went underground in 2007. Azhar’s involvement in the IC-814 hijacking led to the release of several militants, including Omar Saeed Sheikh, who later kidnapped and murdered journalist Daniel Pearl in 2002.
The Indian Air Force’s Operation Sindoor targeted nine terror camps, including JeM’s headquarters in Bahawalpur and Lashkar-e-Taiba’s base in Muridke. Reports indicate that ten family members of Masood Azhar and four of his close aides were also killed in the strikes.
Abdul Rauf Azhar was a senior leader of the Pakistan-based militant group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and the younger brother of the group’s founder, Masood Azhar. He played a key role in orchestrating terror activities against India and was regarded as one of the most dangerous Islamist militants in South Asia.
WHO WAS ABDUL RAUF AZHAR :
Mastermind of IC-814 Hijacking (1999) :
Rauf Azhar is best known for being one of the principal masterminds behind the hijacking of Indian Airlines flight IC-814 in December 1999. The aircraft was hijacked en route from Kathmandu to Delhi and diverted to Kandahar, Afghanistan. The crisis ended with India releasing three jailed militants, including his brother Masood Azhar, in exchange for the hostages.
Rise in Jaish-e-Mohammed:
After Masood Azhar went underground in the mid-2000s, Rauf began managing JeM’s day-to-day operations. He was instrumental in the group’s fundraising, recruitment, and coordination of attacks, particularly in Jammu & Kashmir.
Sanctions and Designations:
United States: In December 2010, the U.S. Treasury Department designated him as a global terrorist under Executive Order 13224.
United Nations: In 2022, the UN Security Council listed him under the 1267 Sanctions Committee for his association with Al-Qaeda and affiliated groups.
Role in Other Attacks :
He was linked to the planning and support of several terrorist operations in India beyond the IC-814 hijacking, including attacks on Indian security forces and civilians in Kashmir.
Operational Base :
Rauf Azhar operated primarily out of Bahawalpur, Punjab province in Pakistan, which is considered a stronghold of Jem. He was reported to have deep links with Pakistan’s military and intelligence establishments.
His death is seen as a significant blow to Jem’s operational capabilities and a notable success in India’s counter-terrorism efforts.
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