Jaish-e-Mohammed and Hizbul Mujahideen Shift Bases to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa After Operation Sindoor

Following India's Operation Sindoor, Jaish-e-Mohammed and Hizbul Mujahideen are relocating their bases to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa from Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir. This shift indicates a tactical change as these groups perceive PoK as vulnerable.

Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Hizbul Mujahideen (HM), terror groups based in Pakistan, have started shifting their bases from Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK). This move follows India's Operation Sindoor, which targeted terrorist hubs in PoK. Sources from the defence and military sectors revealed this strategic relocation on Friday.

The decision to move reflects a tactical shift by these groups. They now consider PoK vulnerable to Indian attacks, while KPK offers more security due to its closeness to the Afghan border. The operation led to the destruction of terror centres in Bahawalpur, Muridke, Muzaffarabad, and other locations.

Operation Sindoor's Impact on Terrorist Strategies

India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 as a response to the Pahalgam terror attack. The operation targeted terrorist infrastructure in Pakistani-controlled areas. The strikes resulted in four days of intense clashes, which concluded with an agreement to cease military actions on May 10.

Sources indicate that the relocation of these terror groups is happening with full awareness and direct support from Pakistan's state structures. JeM gatherings have been held under police protection, with involvement from political-religious groups like Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI).

Recruitment Drives and State Support

A significant development was noted in Garhi Habibullah town, Mansehra district, KPK. Here, JeM conducted a public recruitment drive about seven hours before the India-Pakistan cricket match on September 14. This event was a coordinated effort led by JeM and JUI.

The rally was attended by Mulana Mufti Masood Ilyas Kashmiri, also known as Abu Mohammad. He is a senior JeM leader for KPK and Kashmir and is closely linked to JeM founder Maulana Masood Azhar. Ilyas Kashmiri is a high-value target wanted in India.

Security Concerns and International Implications

His presence at the rally, guarded by JeM members armed with M4 rifles and local police officers, highlights Pakistan's state support for JeM. These details are part of a dossier prepared by several Indian security and intelligence agencies.

This situation underscores the ongoing security challenges in the region. It also raises concerns about the implications of state-supported terrorism on international peace efforts.

With inputs from PTI