Killed by TTP: Pakistan major who captured Abhinandan dies; Asim Munir attends funeral

A Pakistan navy officer who had claimed to have captured Indian Air Force pilot Abhinandan Varthaman was killed in a conflict with Taliban militants within the Sararogha space of South Waziristan, close to the Afghan border.According to a press release from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Major Syed Moiz Abbas Shah was killed together with Lance Naik Jibran Ullah throughout an operation towards Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) fighters.ISPR added that the Pakistan Army killed 11 TTP militants and wounded seven others in the identical operation.Major Moiz’s funeral prayers have been held at Chaklala Garrison in Rawalpindi, with Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir in attendance.“Major Syed Moiz Abbas fought bravely in the face of resistance and ultimately laid down his life in the line of duty, upholding the highest traditions of bravery, sacrifice, and patriotism,” the ISPR assertion quoted Munir as saying.His physique was flown to his hometown of Chakwal in Punjab, the place he was laid to relaxation with full navy honours.A resurfaced clip of his previous interview with Geo TV, now circulating on social media, reveals Moiz — then a captain — detailing the occasions surrounding the seize of Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman.Varthaman had shot down a Pakistani F-16 fighter in February 2019 earlier than his MiG-21 was hit and he was captured. He was held in Pakistan for 3 days earlier than being launched.The TTP, often known as the Pakistan Taliban, was fashioned in 2007 as an umbrella group of a number of militant outfits. Its main purpose is to impose a strict interpretation of Islamic legislation throughout Pakistan.Believed to have shut ties with al-Qaeda, the TTP has been blamed for quite a few lethal assaults in Pakistan, together with the 2009 assault on military headquarters, assaults on navy bases, and the 2008 bombing of the Marriott Hotel in Islamabad.Pakistan has described the TTP as “Fitna al-Khawarij,” referencing a historic Islamic sect identified for violent revolt.