7 Hours Before India-Pak Cricket Match, Jaish Terror Group Ran Recruitment Drive

New Delhi:

Seven hours prior to the India-Pakistan Asia Cup cricket match in Dubai on September 14, the proscribed terrorist organization Jaish-e-Mohammed conducted a recruitment initiative in Pakistan's isolated Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, according to intelligence information reviewed by NDTV this week.

Intelligence sources revealed that the recruitment drive represented an attempt to restore personnel after Indian missile strikes - launched during Operation Sindoor, the military response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror incident - demolished the Jaish headquarters in Bahawalpur. Operation Sindoor targeted a total of eight terrorist facilities.

The gathering was disguised as a 'religious assembly' but featured armed protection provided by Pakistani military personnel and local police forces. A prominent speaker was Masood Ilyas Kashmiri, a recognized Jaish commander who expressed outrage regarding the deaths of founder Masood Azhar's relatives during those military actions.

"By embracing terrorism, we fought against Delhi, Kabul, and Kandahar to defend this country's (Pakistan) borders. After sacrificing everything, on May 7, Maulana Masood Azhar's family was destroyed by Indian forces in Bahawalpur," Kashmiri declared in Urdu.

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According to the intelligence dossier, the event occurred at Marakaz Shohada-e-Islam, which has been undergoing expansion since Operation Sindoor. Intelligence from the region has confirmed increased construction activities and logistical provisions, suggesting the group is preparing for new recruits.

Masood Azhar's brother, Yusuf, was among 10 family members who perished in that attack.

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A 'memorial' for him has been scheduled at a markaz in Peshawar on September 25.

Ilyas Kashmiri represents a high-priority target for India given his intimate connections to Masood Azhar and his significant role in reconstructing the terrorist organization following Operation Sindoor, sources indicated.

READ | After Op Sindoor, Pak Terrorists Shift To This Remote Region To Rebuild

As part of this reconstruction effort, Jaish has adopted an alias for operations within Pakistani territory.

READ | 'Jaish' No More. Hit By Sanctions, Banned Terror Group Changes Name

The new designation is Al-Murabitun, which translates to 'defenders of Islam' in Arabic. This name change is intended to facilitate fundraising for the group, which currently faces severe economic sanctions.

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