In an audio clip that has surfaced, Maulana Masood Azhar’s younger brother Maulana Ammar is heard confirming an attack by Indian fighter jets on Jaish-e-Muhammad facility inside Pakistan. Ammar was reportedly speaking at a seminary in Peshawar on the 28th of February. Ammar is believed to be associated with Afghan and Kashmir operations of JeM.
Big confirmation. Maulana Masood Azhar’s younger brother Maulana Ammar confirms an attack by Indian fighter jets on Jaish e Muhammad Markaz inside Pakistan. Ammar was speaking at a seminary in Peshawar on Feb 28th. Ammar is associated with Afghan and Kashmir Ops of Jaish. pic.twitter.com/HgNBFVYfGb
— Aditya Raj Kaul (@AdityaRajKaul) March 2, 2019
In the clip, Ammar can be heard urging his followers to wage war against India. He says, “The enemy crossed over into Pakistan and launched attacks on our Islamic ‘Markaz’ (Centre). By doing so, the enemy has declared war upon our country.” He adds, “Indian aircraft did not bomb the safe house of any agency or its headquarters or where agency officials held their meetings, they bombed the centre where students were trained to understand the concept of Jihad and assist the oppressed Kashmiris. This is no longer a Jihad of any agency. By attacking our Markaz, India has ensured that we start our Jihad against it.”
Ammar has thus confirmed that Indian fighter jets did hit their target, contrary to the claims made by Pakistani who have been in denial over it. He also confirmed the statement made by the Ministry of External Affairs that it was a ‘non-military’ operation as the Indian aircraft only hit terrorist camps.
The Jihadist’s remarks also make one wonder whether India will conduct more preemptive strikes to eliminate terror threats before they succeed in their agenda. Also, if Pakistan is indeed serious about its desire for peace, then it should start by taking action against Ammar.