TTP attack kills Major Muiz Abbas Shah and soldier in Waziristan; Shah had earlier claimed Abhinandan’s capture during 2019 standoff
25 June 2025, New Delhi
A senior officer of the Pakistan Army, Major Muiz Abbas Shah, was killed during a counter-terrorism operation against Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants in the restive Waziristan region. Another soldier, Lance Naik Jibran, also lost his life in the attack. According to a statement issued by the Pakistan Army, 11 TTP militants were killed during the encounter.
Major Muiz Abbas Shah first came into the spotlight during the 2019 India-Pakistan military standoff, when he reportedly claimed responsibility for capturing Indian Air Force Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman. At the time, tensions were running high following the Balakot airstrike by India.
Abhinandan’s MiG-21 Bison had crashed inside Pakistani territory after a dogfight, and he was taken into custody while injured. Major Shah was one of the officers who publicly associated himself with the capture. However, following international pressure and India’s diplomatic outreach, Pakistan released Wing Commander Abhinandan within three days.
Hailing from Chakwal, Major Shah was part of Pakistan’s elite Special Services Group (SSG) and had led several high-stakes missions. The Pakistan military noted that he was leading a counter-insurgency operation when he was fatally wounded.
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The incident has once again raised serious questions about Pakistan’s internal security and the growing threat of militancy. Waziristan has long remained a hub of extremist activity, and despite multiple military operations, the region continues to experience volatility and armed confrontations.
Security analysts believe this attack is a grim reminder of the persistent challenges Pakistan faces in curbing domestic terrorism, even as its military continues to lose senior personnel in the line of duty. Major Shah’s death has also reignited memories of the 2019 confrontation with India, a period marked by heightened hostility and global diplomatic engagement.
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