(Image source from: Ptcnews.tv)

The terrorist group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), known for multiple significant attacks in India such as the Parliament strike in 2001 and the Pulwama suicide bombing in 2019, faced a serious blow when its main base in Bahawalpur, Pakistan, was hit and ruined by airstrikes during Operation Sindoor in May of this year. Almost three months later, the organization led by Maulana Masood Azhar has launched a fundraising initiative and aims to rebuild its training and recruitment camp, stating a goal to turn various areas of the world into "paradise." Bahawalpur, situated about 100 kilometers within Pakistan's southern Punjab region, has been a long-standing center both ideologically and operationally for the terror group. A post on social media in Urdu mentioned that JeM is seeking donations "quietly" to restore its headquarters, known as Jamia Masjid Subhan Allah, which once was a large complex housing Azhar, his brother, who is the acting leader Mufti Abdul Rauf Asghar, and other family members. The post also encouraged collaboration from everyone for the success of the fundraising effort that started on Wednesday.

Since it was set up in 2015, Jamia Masjid Subhan Allah has been the main base for JeM, serving as both its operational hub and an essential training site. Bahawalpur was one of the key targets during Operation Sindoor, which resulted in significant damage to the buildings, as confirmed by satellite images from Maxar that were obtained and examined. The 56-year-old leader of JeM stated that ten of his family members and four of his aides lost their lives in the operation. A statement from Azhar, who was detained in India in 1994 and later freed following the hijacking of Air India flight IC 814, mentioned that those killed included his older sister, her spouse, a nephew and his wife, a niece, and five kids from the extended family.

Azhar is recognized as an international terrorist by the UN Security Council and is wanted in India for multiple attacks, including the Mumbai terror attacks on November 26, 2008. In 2008, the Indian government designated him as a terrorist after amending the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) to include individuals along with organizations. He has also been linked to the planning of various other assaults like the 2001 Parliament attack, the Pathankot attack in 2016, and the Pulwama attack in 2019. Even though it is well-known that the terrorist resides in Pakistan, Islamabad has consistently denied having any knowledge of his whereabouts. "Ten family members were blessed with this joy together tonight... five were innocent children, my older sister, her esteemed husband, my educated nephew and his wife, my cherished niece... my dear brother Huzaifah and his mother."

India launched 24 precision missiles targeting nine locations in Pakistan and Pakistan Occupied Kashmir during the night of May 6 and 7 to respond to the Pahalgam terrorist attack that resulted in the deaths of 26 tourists on April 22. Indian government sources indicated that over 70 terrorists were killed, and more than 60 were injured in these strikes.