LeT Commander Confirms Indian Strike Obliterated Key Training Facility
In a rare public admission, a senior Lashkar-e-Taiba commander has acknowledged the devastating impact of India's military operation on the group's headquarters. Abdul Rauf, a top-ranking leader within the militant organization, provided detailed confirmation of the destruction during a recent address to new graduates.
Vivid Account of Destruction
Speaking at a graduation ceremony in Muridke, Rauf offered a vivid description of the aftermath of Operation Sindoor. The Indian military strikes on May 6 and 7 targeted the group's primary training facility with significant effect. Rauf focused particularly on the physical obliteration of a structure that served dual purposes as both a mosque and central organizational hub.
"What happened on May 6-7, that place is no longer a mosque," Rauf stated clearly. "Today, we cannot even sit there. It is finished; it has collapsed."
His testimony represents the most detailed confirmation yet from Lashkar-e-Taiba about the substantial losses suffered during the Indian operation. The commander described a scene of total ruin where the building has completely collapsed, leaving the ground unusable for their usual gatherings and activities.
Strategic Pressure Revealed
Beyond acknowledging the physical destruction, Rauf's remarks inadvertently revealed the strategic pressure the organization experienced before the strike. He disclosed that trainees participating in the graduation ceremony had been evacuated from the Muridke camp just moments before Indian missiles struck the location.
This evacuation suggests the group had some awareness of the impending operation, yet still suffered significant damage to their infrastructure. The timing of the evacuation indicates both the precision of Indian intelligence and the vulnerability of the militant group's operations.
Significance of the Admission
The public acknowledgment carries particular weight given Lashkar-e-Taiba's historical tendency to downplay operational losses. Militant organizations typically maintain an image of invulnerability, making Rauf's detailed confirmation especially striking.
As a prominent ideological and operational leader who presided over funeral rites for those killed in initial strike waves, Rauf's authority within the organization lends credibility to his assessment. While images of those burials had previously hinted at casualty severity, his latest remarks provide final confirmation that leaves no room for denials.
The destruction of the mosque-training facility represents more than just physical damage. It strikes at a central gathering point for the organization, potentially disrupting recruitment, training, and operational planning activities. The admission suggests Operation Sindoor achieved significant tactical success against Lashkar-e-Taiba's infrastructure and morale.
