India’s recent military operation, dubbed “Operation Sindoor,” has resulted in significant casualties among the family members of Maulana Masood Azhar, the leader of the Pakistan-based militant group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). The operation, launched on May 7, 2025, targeted nine sites across Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, including Bahawalpur, a known stronghold of JeM .
According to reports, at least 10 of Azhar’s family members and four close associates were killed in the strikes. Azhar’s brother, Maulana Ammar, confirmed the heavy losses in a public statement following the attacks .
The Indian government stated that the operation was a response to the Pahalgam terrorist attack on April 22, 2025, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians, including Indian and Nepali nationals. India attributed the attack to Pakistan-based militant groups and launched Operation Sindoor to dismantle their infrastructure .
The exact status of Maulana Masood Azhar remains unclear. While some reports suggest he may have been killed, Pakistan’s Information Minister has stated that there is no official confirmation of his death .
