Terror Mastermind Rauf Asghar Killed as India Strikes Deep with Operation Sindoor
In a dramatic retaliation to the Pahalgam attack, India’s Operation Sindoor killed Jaish-e-Mohammed mastermind Rauf Asghar, inflicting a strategic setback on terrorism and reaffirming its zero-tolerance policy.
Anshu Kashid | Pune| May 09, 2025: Targeting Abdul Rauf Asghar, one of the most feared terrorist masterminds in South Asia and the operational brain behind Jaish-e-Mohammed, Indian troops responded powerfully and decisively to the latest Pahalgam terror incident. Rauf died late Tuesday night from injuries received during missile strikes on Jaish terror camps, according Indian intelligence sources.
A Targeting Jaish Leadership: A Blow
Among those killed in the Indian strike on the group’s camp at Markaz Masjid Subhan Aliya in Yanwalpur, Pakistan, was Rauf Asghar, the younger brother and close aide of Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar. Renowned for planning some of the most horrific terror assaults on Indian territory, his death severely damages the central leadership of Jaish.
Mastery of Terror
Rauf’s name has long been associated with some of India’s darkest moments in the battle against terrorism.His plan of the 1999 hijacking of Indian Airlines flight IC-814 compelled India to let go of Masood Azhar into custody.
Further, he was actively involved in the 2001 Parliament attack as well as the 2003 Nagrota Army base attack as the main coordinator of the 2019 Pulwama attack that resulted in the death of forty CRPF personnel. Oversaw activities, recruiting, and training of militants for cross-border strikes in close proximity with Pakistan’s intelligence agency ISI and terrorist group Harkat-ul-Mujahideen.
His approaches were well-known for their brutal execution and cold-blooded accuracy.
Strategic and Symbolic Triumph
Intelligence officials and security professionals characterize his killing as both a tactical and symbolic triumph. It seriously limits Jaish’s operating capacity and warns other terrorist groups in the area strongly. India’s action emphasizes its zero-tolerance approach toward cross-border terrorism and shows that no mastermind—regardless of authority or position—can stay out of grasp.
Global influence
Rauf’s killing has also brought Pakistan under increasing pressure from the world community to destroy terror infrastructure running from its territory. India’s national security has been much strengthened after one of the most dangerous players in South Asia neutralized.
A Resolve Message
Not only is Abdul Rauf Asghar’s death from Operation Sindoor India’s accomplishment; it also reflects the attitude of every nation dedicated to eradicate terrorism. It shows that no act of terror goes unpackled and that no terrorist, no matter how well rooted, is beyond justice.
