On June 24, 2025, Pakistan suffered a significant loss with the death of Major Syed Moiez Abbas Shah, a distinguished officer of the Special Services Group (SSG) (7 Northern Light Infantry/ 6 Cdo) during a search operation in Sararogha Tehsil, South Waziristan District. Major Syed, who embraced martyrdom in a deadly attack attributed to the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), was among 14 soldiers reportedly killed in coordinated assaults in South Waziristan and Kurram on the same day. His death is particularly notable given his role in the high-profile capture of Indian Air Force pilot Group Captain Abhinandan Varthaman in 2019, a moment that captured global attention during a tense standoff between Pakistan and India.

In the below video from 2019 he can be seen explaining how he captured Abhinandan

Major Syed Moiez Abbas Shah was among the first officers to apprehend Group Captain Abhinandan Varthaman in February 2019, following a dramatic aerial skirmish over the Line of Control (LoC). The incident occurred after India conducted airstrikes in Balakot, Pakistan, targeting alleged terrorist camps in response to a suicide bombing in Pulwama, Kashmir, that killed 40 Indian paramilitary personnel. Pakistan retaliated with airstrikes, leading to a dogfight in which Abhinandan’s MiG-21 crashed after it shot down a Pakistani F-16.

Abhinandan ejected from his aircraft and landed in Pakistan-administered territory, where Major Syed and his unit apprehended him. The captured pilot became the focal point of intense diplomatic tensions, with Pakistan releasing him two days later after Indian diplomatic pressure.

Maj Syed is among the 14 soldiers killed in TTP attacks in Pakistan today. Read details here

Local media reported Pakistani security forces conducted a major operation against terrorists in the Sara Rogha area. Maj Syed was killed in the same operation by TTP men.

Pakistan Army may have lost as many as 14 soldiers in multiple operations day. In South Waziristan, 6 soldiers including Maj Syed were killed whilst in another abush in Kurram 8 soldiers were killed and 10 injured.