India, in the early hours of Wednesday, struck nine terror sites inside Pakistan, one of which was at a madrassa in Bahawalpur district of Pakistan's Punjab region. The religious centre at Ahmadpur East is located about 400 km from Lahore.
The centre, called Jamia Masjid Subhan Allah complex or the Usman-o-Ali campus, is a sprawling 18-acre facility. This place was one of the prime targets of India, as it was said to host JeM's operational base.
The facility is said to be functioning under the command of Masood Azhaar, a most-wanted terrorist who is the mastermind behind the 2001 Parliament attack in New Delhi. He is said to be a frequent visitor here to hold meetings with Pakistan’s military officers, ISI operatives, and radical clerics.
While India has made no mention of any deaths, Pakistan claims the attacks at Masjid Subhanullah in Ahmedpur East killed 13 people, including two 3-year-old girls, seven women and four men. It is still unclear whether Masood Azhar was among the dead. Speculations are rife that the dead include Azhar's sister and brothers.
A statement issued by JeM on Wednesday by the militant group he heads - Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) - said that the deceased included his elder sister and her husband, his nephew and his wife, a niece, and five children from his family.
As per reports, the Jamia Masjid Subhan Allah complex is more than just a religious centre. It is a huge complex with a mosque and a madrassa that can accommodate over 600 people. It is also said to have a swimming pool, stables for horses, and a gymnasium.
The facility's proximity to a major Pakistani army cantonment was also a matter of concern to India.
While Masood Azhar was absent from the public eye for years, he began resurfacing in Bahawalpur towards the end of 2024. Both satellite and human intelligence suggested Azhar's presence in the mosque complex. He was seen there with his son, who is also a declared terrorist.
Soon after the strikes, videos began to emerge showing the Jamia Masjid Subhan Allah complex burning. Another video showed the centre turned into rubble.