• Source:JND
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Adul Rauf Azhar, a top commander of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and younger brother of its founder Masood Azhar, is reportedly killed in Operation Sindoor. His death is being hailed as a major breakthrough in India's counter-terrorism efforts, as Rauf was on the most-wanted list of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for decades. He played central roles in some of the most brutal terrorist acts targeting India and the West.

Abdul Rauf Azhar gained international notoriety as the chief architect behind the 1999 hijacking of Indian Airlines flight IC-814. The aircraft was taken over en route from Kathmandu to Delhi and forced to land in Kandahar, Afghanistan, then controlled by the Taliban. The hijacking lasted for seven tense days, culminating in India releasing three dreaded terrorists: Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh, Mushtaq Ahmed Zargar, and Masood Azhar, Abdul Rauf’s brother.

This high-stakes operation was reportedly orchestrated with the help of Pakistan’s intelligence agency, ISI, and the Taliban, in a bid to secure the release of 36 terrorists. Shortly after the hostages were released, the freed militants, including Masood Azhar, went on to establish JeM, which has since been responsible for a string of terror attacks.

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From Hijacker To JeM Commander

Rauf officially took over the reins of JeM on April 21, 2007, after Masood Azhar went underground under ISI protection. During his tenure, JeM intensified attacks on Indian soil, including the 2001 Parliament attack, the 2008 Mumbai attacks, the 2016 Pathankot airbase strike, and the 2019 Pulwama suicide bombing that killed 40 Indian CRPF personnel.

Global Terror Links And US Sanctions

In 2010, the US Department of Treasury designated Abdul Rauf Azhar as a global terrorist. He was accused of fundraising, recruiting, and directing JeM's operations across South Asia. He maintained strong affiliations with global jihadist networks, including Al-Qaeda, Taliban, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and the Haqqani network. His network shared training camps in Afghanistan and coordinated closely with Pakistan’s religious political outfits and ISI-sponsored umbrella groups such as the United Jihad Council.

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Reported Death In Operation Sindoor

Operation Sindoor, a covert Indian military and intelligence strike across the border, reportedly eliminated Azhar in Pakistan. Though official confirmation from Islamabad is awaited, reports say the operation was a precision strike targeting JeM operatives and their infrastructure.

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