Al-Zahed: Humble heart behind Story of a Hero

New details have emerged about one of the most complex counter-terrorism operations in North Sinai, shedding light on a mission that combined precision planning, local knowledge and heavy sacrifice. The account of ‘El-Zahed’ comes from the fourth episode of the documentary series ‘Story of a Hero’, released by the Egyptian Armed Forces’ official spokesman, Brigadier General of Staff, Gharib Abdel Hafez, It offers a rare look inside the clearance of the so-called “Green Square” and a school compound in Bir al-Abd once used by terrorists. The area was no ordinary target. It stretched across several kilometres and included villages, farms and narrow roads. Terrorists had turned it into a stronghold. The terrain made surveillance difficult and escape routes easy. Military planners faced a clear challenge. They needed to isolate the zone completely. Any gap could allow terrorists to slip away towards the coastal road or nearby communities. Troops moved in carefully. The operation was slow and methodical. Houses were searched one by one. Fields were combed metre by metre. The aim was not only to confront terrorists, but also to protect civilians and restore a sense of safety. Attention soon turned to a local site known as “Zaqaziq School”. An initial plan for a direct raid was reconsidered. According to the account, Lieutenant Colonel Ahmed el-Gamal, the battalion’s operations chief, proposed a different approach. He called for surprise. Routes were changed. Forces advanced through farmland instead of main roads. The tactic worked. Terrorists were caught off guard. A fierce firefight followed. Forces managed to storm the site and clear it. The operation showed an ability to manoeuvre in a dense and risky environment. But the mission did not end there. On August 30, 2020, the battalion was preparing to secure the arrival of reinforcements. Colonel Hussein Noaman, the unit commander, was leading the supply column. el-Gamal moved ahead with a team to secure the route. Clashes erupted again. Reports say he succeeded in neutralising the threat. Moments later, he climbed to a higher position to oversee the route. There, an explosive device detonated. The blast was powerful. Communication was lost. Soon after, confirmation came. el-Gamal had been martyrdom. The episode highlights a broader reality. Operations in North Sinai were not fought by the military alone. They relied on coordination with local communities and intimate knowledge of the land. Years on, people say the region has seen improved stability. Yet the cost remains clear. For many, the story is not only about strategy. It is about people. About choices made under pressure. And about lives lost in the effort to restore security and nation. The post Al-Zahed: Humble heart behind Story of a Hero appeared first on Egyptian Gazette.