In a major breakthrough for India’s counter-terrorism efforts, Abdul Rauf Azhar, the deputy chief of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and the mastermind behind the 1999 IC-814 hijacking, has reportedly been killed in India’s Operation Sindoor. Abdul Rauf Azhar was also believed to be behind several major terror attacks, including his role in the brutal beheading of American journalist Daniel Pearl in 2002.
Abdul Rauf Azhar, also known as Rauf Asghar, was the younger brother of JeM chief Masood Azhar. He played a central role in shaping the group’s operational strategy and was considered one of the most dangerous and influential terror leaders in South Asia. His death comes amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians and prompted India to initiate Operation Sindoor.
Launched in early May 2025, Operation Sindoor was a coordinated military offensive targeting key terrorist infrastructure across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. According to reports, Indian forces struck at least nine high-value targets, including terror training camps, launch pads, and command centers used by groups such as JeM and Lashkar-e-Taiba. One of the precision strikes is believed to have eliminated Abdul Rauf Azhar, who was reportedly present at a high-level JeM facility at the time of the attack.
Abdul Rauf Azhar rose to global infamy after orchestrating the hijacking of Indian Airlines flight IC-814 in December 1999. The flight, en route from Kathmandu to Delhi, was forced to land in Kandahar, Afghanistan. The hijackers demanded the release of three high-profile terrorists, including Masood Azhar, in exchange for the safe release of the hostages. The Indian government eventually complied, and the released individuals went on to plan or facilitate major terror attacks, including the 2001 Indian Parliament attack and the 2008 Mumbai attacks.
One of the released terrorists, Omar Saeed Sheikh, later played a key role in the kidnapping and execution of Wall Street Journal journalist Daniel Pearl. Abdul Rauf Azhar’s direct involvement in both the hijacking and his broader support for terrorist activities had placed him on multiple international watchlists, including by the United Nations and the U.S. Treasury Department.
India's Ministry of Defence has not yet issued an official confirmation of Abdul Rauf Azhar's death, but multiple media outlets citing defense and intelligence sources have reported the successful strike. If confirmed, the killing marks a significant blow to Jaish-e-Mohammed’s operational capabilities and could disrupt planned activities by the group across the region.
Strategic experts suggest that Abdul Rauf Azhar’s elimination could also strain Pakistan’s internal dynamics, as he was reportedly protected by elements within Pakistan's deep state. His death could further international scrutiny on Pakistan’s alleged sheltering of UN-designated terrorists.
Operation Sindoor represents a shift in India’s posture, demonstrating a proactive approach to eliminating cross-border terror threats. The death of Abdul Rauf Azhar may serve as a strong signal to other terror masterminds and supporters that India’s counter-terror strategy is entering a more assertive and decisive phase. The elimination of Abdul Rauf Azhar could be seen as a major step in dismantling the networks that have caused havoc in the region.
