Pakistani Major Linked to Abhinandan Varthaman's Capture Killed by TTP
The Pakistani officer credited with capturing Indian pilot Abhinandan Varthaman during the 2019 aerial confrontation has reportedly been killed by the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), according to multiple sources.
Details on Major Syed Muiz and His Posting
Major Syed Muiz, serving in the elite 6th Commando Battalion of Pakistan’s Special Service Group, was stationed in the Sarargoha region of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Reports indicate he was fatally injured amid clashes, with the Pakistani Taliban claiming responsibility for his death.
Recap: The 2019 Aerial Dogfight and Abhinandan’s Capture
During intense aerial combat on February 27, 2019, then-Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman gained national acclaim in India after shooting down a Pakistani F-16 using his MiG-21 fighter jet. His plane was hit, forcing him to eject over PoK where he was taken into custody by Pakistani forces.
Abhinandan spent nearly 60 hours in captivity before being released. Pakistan’s then-Prime Minister portrayed his release as a goodwill gesture amid escalating tensions between the two nuclear neighbors.
Legacy of the Incident and Aftermath
- Abhinandan was later promoted to Group Captain in November 2021.
- He received the prestigious Vir Chakra award in recognition of his bravery and skill.
- The aerial clash followed India’s retaliatory Balakot airstrikes against terror camps linked to the Pulwama attack.
The Pulwama attack involved a suicide bomber targeting an Indian convoy, which left 40 soldiers dead. India responded swiftly with airstrikes targeting terrorist bases across the Line of Control, marking a significant escalation in the conflict between India and Pakistan.
Implications of Major Muiz’s Death
The killing of Major Syed Muiz highlights the ongoing internal security challenges Pakistan faces from militant groups like the TTP. It also serves as a stark reminder of the volatile situation in the Kashmir region, where multiple armed factions operate amid enduring hostility.
As tensions continue to simmer, episodes like these underscore the fragile and complex security landscape on both sides of the Kashmir divide.
