Pakistan officer Moiz Abbas Shah who is said to have captured Indian Air Force (IAF) pilot Abhinandan Varthaman in 2019, was killed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region in an encounter with Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) terrorists.
According to media reports, security forces carried out an intelligence-based operation in South Waziristan, during which 11 terrorists from the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) were killed. Two security personnel also lost their lives in the operation, the Pakistani Army said in a statement on Tuesday.
Who was Moiz Abbas Shah?
As mentioned above, Shah was a Pakistan Army officer from Chakwal, who shot to fame for reportedly capturing IAF officer Abhinandan Varthaman in 2019. He was a part of the Special Service Group, Pakistan’s elite commando unit. Known for his role in high-risk missions, Shah was killed while leading an anti-terror operation. His death was confirmed by Pak military. The operation he led was part of Pakistan’s ongoing efforts against militancy in the region, where he lost his life in the line of duty.
How was Abhinandan Varthman captured?
When India launched the Balakot airstrikes targeting the terrorist training camp, Pakistan launched a counter-operation aiming to hit Indian military bases. Around 24 fighter jets flew towards India, triggering a quick reaction from the Indian Air Force, leading to an aerial dogfight.
Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, part of the Srinagar-based 51 Squadron, was involved in India’s military response. During the clash, his aircraft was shot down by a Pakistani jet. He ejected safely but landed across the Line of Control (LoC), in Pakistani territory. And that’s when reports of him being captured came out.