The Union Home Ministry’s compilation of most wanted terrorists places Mohammad Yusuf Azhar at number 21, highlighting his critical status in India’s security concerns. His identity is further amplified by his relationship as the brother-in-law of Maulana Masood Azhar, the widely dreaded leader of the Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), a terror outfit known for its violent activities and significant threat to regional stability.
Officials reported that Indian strikes under “Operation Sindoor” on May 7 targeted Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad terror hubs in Pakistan and PoJK, neutralising five key wanted terrorists, including the mastermind of the 1999 IC-814 hijacking. The officials stated that the attendance of senior Pakistan Army and police personnel at the terrorists’ funerals, along with wreaths laid on behalf of Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz, openly demonstrates the Pakistan State’s collaboration with these terror groups.
IC-814 hijacking
Mohammad Yusuf Azhar orchestrated the hijacking of Indian Airlines flight IC-814. This act of terror led to the release of his brother-in-law, Maulana Masood Azhar, along with two other notorious terrorists, in exchange for the passengers and crew held hostage after the plane was diverted to Kandahar, southern Afghanistan.
Other terrorists, killed in strike
The operation also reportedly eliminated Hafiz Muhammed Jameel, another brother-in-law of Masood Azhar. Jameel was in charge of Markaz Subhan Allah in Bahawalpur, a significant JeM training facility, and was actively involved in radicalising youth and raising funds for the terror group.
Separately, Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) operative Mudassar Khadian Khas, known also as Mudassar and Abu Jundal and the head of Markaz Taiba in Muridke, was killed in the strike targeting the proscribed organisation’s central command.**
(With PTI Inputs)