Pakistan Army Major, Involved In 2019 Capture Of Abhinandan Varthaman, Killed In Clash With Pak Taliban: Report

Pakistani Major Moiz Abbas Shah, who was involved in the 2019 capture of Indian pilot Abhinandan Varthaman, died during a clash with Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) terrorists in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region, reported India Today.

Two Pakistani Army security personnel were killed in the operation.

Pakistani security forces killed 11 terrorists in an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Pakistan's South Waziristan district, the military stated Tuesday (24 June).

Following India's 26 February attack on a terrorist-training camp at Balakot, Pakistan launched a retaliatory strike targeting India's military installations.

Up to 24 fighter jets flew towards India, prompting India's swift response after which an aerial dogfight ensued.

Pakistan fighter jets shot down his plane, and he ejected, landing on the other side of the Line of Control (LoC).

Abhinandan Varthaman's capture ignited India-Pakistan tension. Hectic back-channel communications occurred. India reportedly foiled Pakistan's attempt to use him as a bargaining tool with a blunt warning of further retaliation.

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan eventually announced Abhinandan Varthaman's release as a "gesture of peace"—a decision many saw as a victory for the Modi government's assertive stance.

Abhinandan Varthaman returned to India 58 hours after his capture, walking through the Attari-Wagah border on the night of 28 February.