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Tip of the Sharp Sword - The Special Service Group (SSG)
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RescueRanger
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RescueRanger
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List of SS Group officers martyred in recent years.
Lt.Col Aamir Awan, in 2006 Akbar Bugti incident. I believe he was OC 2 Commando Btln (Rehbar).
Maj. Khalid Aziz, in 2006 Akbar Bugti incident, with 2 Commando Btln (Rehbar) (probably the 2IC).
Captain Zameer Hussain, in 2006 Akbar Bugti incident, with 2 Commando Btln (Rehbar), probably the Adjutant. Alongside these 3 officers 7 soldiers also lost their lives.
Lt.Col Haroon Ul Islam, OC Zarrar ATU, famous martyr of Lal Masjid Op Silence/Sunrise.
Captain Salman Lodhi, Zarrar ATU, in same Op Silence.
Captain Junaid Khan, 6 Commando Btln (Al-Samsaam), during recce op in Khwazakhela in the prelude of Op Rah-e-Raast, captured by TTP and executed.
Captain Najam Riaz Raja, 6 Commando Btln (Al-Samsaam), alongside Captain Junaid, captured and executed.
Both officers alongwith 2 NCOs being unarmed managed to break the necks of 8 TTP fighters during their attempted escape before being shot by outer guards.
Captain Bilal Zafar, 3 Commando Btln (Powindah), famous martyr of Operation Black Thunderstorm, KIA while clearing the Peochar Valley, known as 'Ghazanosar ka Hero'.
Major Zahid Hussain Shah, unit n/a, KIA in Op Rah-e-Raast.
Captain Ali Mehmood, 5 Commando Btln (Zilzaal), KIA in 2011 versus TTP in Mohmand Agency.
Captain Tariq Jamal, 6 Commando Btln (Al-Samsaam), KIA in 2012 during operation versus TTP in Orakzai Agency.
Captain Waseem Razi, 3 Commando Btln (Powindah), KIA during the infamous ambush at Tirah in 2013, during Op Rahe Shahadat.
Captain Ahmad Raza, 3 Commando Btln (Powindah), martyred during Op Rahe Shahadat at Tirah in 2013.
Captain Akash Rabbani, 4 Commando Btln (Yalghar). Famous martyr of Op ZeA in North Waziristan 2014, while conducting medevac and was hit by sniper fire.
Captain Qayyum Khan, unit n/a, KIA during Op ZeA in North Waziristan.
About 15 officers named on the roll of honor since 2006, more than total officers shaheed from 1956-2006. SS Group has been used time to time in our COIN ops, and has made big sacrifices. If you wish to add more details please point out.
3rd Commando Battalion
"Powindahs"
Based at Tarbela
33rd SS Brigade
Operation Qiadat, 1987- versus all odds
Powindahs bravely charged in subzero conditions to eliminate IA posts in the Bilafond sector and gain a foothold on the Saltoro Ridge. Several enemy posts were eliminated but the assault stalled and was aborted following lack of reinforcements and casualties.
This Operation earned 18 martyrs for us, including :
Captain Iqbal Khan HJ
Captain Salik Cheema SJ
En lost 21 men.
Late Lt.Col Haroon Islam as a Captain.
2nd Commando Battalion
"RAHBER"
11th SS Brigade
'We Lead The Way'
17 x Sitara-e-Jurat
8 x Tamgha-e-Jurat
17 x Sitara-e-Basalat
60 x Tamgha-e-Basalat
30 x Imtiazi Sanad
40 x COAS Commendation Cards
Quaid Company
Ghazi Company
Jangju Company
Tipu Company
HQ Suleman
Naib Subedar Atta Muhammad (SJ) was commanding a 7-8 man SSG team, manning the Quaid OP in Bilafond La sector of the Saltoro Ridge, in the spring of 1987.
This team was responsible for the deaths of 18 Indian troops in action even as it was pitted versus intense artillery and superior enemy numbers. 5 of them including NbSub Atta were martyred and the OP eventually fell, with munitions and supplies on a low after the rope link to Ali Brangsa (basecamp) was cut off by Indian artillery shelling and surrounding of the OP.
Captain Salik Nawaz Cheema SJ
Powindah Battalion
Capt Iqbal Shaheed (HJ), A Gallant SSG Officer Martyred At World Highest Battlefield Remembered On His Death Anniversary
Most of the people die on the bed others in accidents, but a few become immortal by laying their lives for the noble cause of safeguarding their motherland and set unprecedented examples of chivalry for others to follow.
Captain Muhammad Iqbal Khan Shaheed (Hilal-e-Jurat) was the one of the gallant SSG Officers of Pakistan Army, who embraced martyrdom over an altitude of 21,000 feet at the world's highest battle zone 'Siachen glaciers' on September 25, 1987 while defending his country against the enemy and became immortalized.
"Death is inexorable. One can die in a road accident or suffer the last rigours interminably on a bed but I want to face death and look it in the eyes like a true warrior," the 27 year old young army officer told his relatives and friends just two months before he left this mortal world as a bachelor.
Born at village Pashtoon Garhi in district Nowshera on November 15, 1960 at Haji Mir Ahmad Khan's residence, he got Commission in the Pakistan Army's ASC in 1982. He faced enemy at an altitude of above 21,000 feet in Siachen glaciers and fought like a lion. He faced two enemies; the Indian Army and the harsh weather with steadfastness, bravery and determination.
Noor Jehan, mother of Capt Iqbal, said he was highly devoted and obedient son. "During his visits to home, he met with all family members, relatives including our servant warmly keeping no distance being an officer.
"Captain Iqbal wanted to become an MBBS doctor in his early student life but later on changed his mind when he was BSc student at Islamia College Peshawar and wanted to join Pakistan Army to serve his country," she said.
He loved education as he often stressed on his brothers to attain higher studies. He was greatly impressed from the poetry of national poet, Dr Alama Muhammad Iqbal, she said.
She said just two months before his martyrdom, he wrote his will and handed it over to his close childhood friend Ghayasuddin and told him not to disclose it before his death.
The will of Capt Iqbal says, "I owe 16 days of fasting. I took a bank loan of Rs 900 from a fund reserved for science student. The administration block of the Peshawar University would have the necessary particulars. I owe this amount and it must be paid to the Bank. My grave should be left unplastered and let it be only as high as the Shariah allows. No flowers, no sehra, no dupatta for my grave. All these are rituals. prayer is the real thing. There should be no chehlum or anniversary for me. Don't cook rice and call people and give alms on these occasions. Nothing of the sort is permitted by Islamic injunctions. Charity can be given at any time and not necessary at these occasions. Instead of cooking rice and calling people, let the amount be spent on paving a street or constructing a drain or give it to a mosque.
This way it will be a perpetual charity. There is no need for ostentation. If the amount received fromthe government after my death is of the order of Rs 50,000 or more, fully Rs 40,000 be distributed amongst the poor and the deprived as atonement for the prayers I did not offer and the fast I did not keep.
Stop my relatives from doing anything unIslamic after my death. If they want to cook rice on a Friday or do something similar, don't let them. Let the amount be given in alms on another occasion. Anyone wanting to do me good after my death should recite Darood Sharif as often as possible and offer its blessings for my soul." He further wrote: "Let the green pack and the high neck jersey go back to the company stores and the bills for "langar" (mess), washer man and cobbler be paid." Later on August 23, 1987, Capt Iqbal wrote his last letter to his friend Ghayasuddin Khan, asking him to pray to Almighty Allah for his good health, grant him the courage to follow the right path and serve islam and bestow him the life of a victorious Ghazi or the death of a Shaheed.
Akram Khan and Shamus Khan, brothers of Capt Iqbal said they had fulfilled 'will' of his Shaheed brother in letter and spirit.
Every year his death anniversary is being observed with great reverence and respect but quite simplicity as his grave in Pashtoon Garhi has no epitaph, no flowers no sehra and no dupatta in consonance with his will.
Brigadier (Retd) Rasheed Malik (Sitara e Jurat), then Captain, who was accompanying Capt Iqbal in the 'Qiadat' Operation told APP that Capt Iqbal was a symbol of courage, valour and was a highly motivated person. "Capt Iqbal was a true Muslim and death was meaningless to him," he said.
He said the enemy had established scores of bunkers, trenches and posts at most strategic location in the illegally occupied territory of Siachen from where they (enemy) were consistently targeting Pakistani posts besides monitoring our activities at that time.
To give befitting reply to the enemy's unprovoked aggressions, an operation 'Quaidat' was launched in which Capt Iqbal was assigned the task of evacuation of casualties, provision of food ration and other necessary assistance to Pakistani troops.
"We took control of a number of key posts but several of our team members had either embraced martyrdom or received injuries during the said operation. We asked for help and Capt Iqbal swiftly reached by leading his platoon from the front side, inflicting heavy losses to the enemy," the eyewitness brigadier recalled.
"Capt Iqbal kept climbing the steep mountains of Siachen over 21000 feet with a gun in one hand and holding himself with the other in-spite of receiving serious bullet injuries on his legs but did not lose courage, determination and proceeded forward," Brigadier Retd Rasheed Malik recalled.
He destroyed many pickets on his way till he reached the highest picket on the Siachen Glacier, held by the enemy where he waged the fiercest battle and in the process embraced martyrdom on September 25, 1987.
Brig (Retd) Rasheed Malik said two officers including Capt Iqbal and Capt Salik Chema among 16 jawans were martyred and over 100 others injured during the said operation.
Captain Iqbal's body went missing for eleven months in snow, and was finally recovered during in action and brought to his native village on August 6, 1988 where a sea of people attended the funeral of the celebrated hero of Siachen.
In recognition of his supreme sacrifices for motherland, the Government of Pakistani awarded the second highest military award Hilal-e-Jurat to Capt Iqbal Shaheed besides named the one kilometer long newly constructed bridge on River Sindh that connected Attock in Punjab with Nowshera in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa after Captain Iqbal Shaheed besides a martyr monument at Khariyan.
https://www.urdupoint.com/en/pakistan/capt-iqbal-shaheed-hj-a-gallant-ssg-office-425540.html
Remarks on the SSG by a US Special Forces (Green Berets) officer in an old paper.
Lt.Col Aamir Awan, in 2006 Akbar Bugti incident. I believe he was OC 2 Commando Btln (Rehbar).
Maj. Khalid Aziz, in 2006 Akbar Bugti incident, with 2 Commando Btln (Rehbar) (probably the 2IC).
Captain Zameer Hussain, in 2006 Akbar Bugti incident, with 2 Commando Btln (Rehbar), probably the Adjutant. Alongside these 3 officers 7 soldiers also lost their lives.
Lt.Col Haroon Ul Islam, OC Zarrar ATU, famous martyr of Lal Masjid Op Silence/Sunrise.
Captain Salman Lodhi, Zarrar ATU, in same Op Silence.
Captain Junaid Khan, 6 Commando Btln (Al-Samsaam), during recce op in Khwazakhela in the prelude of Op Rah-e-Raast, captured by TTP and executed.
Captain Najam Riaz Raja, 6 Commando Btln (Al-Samsaam), alongside Captain Junaid, captured and executed.
Both officers alongwith 2 NCOs being unarmed managed to break the necks of 8 TTP fighters during their attempted escape before being shot by outer guards.
Captain Bilal Zafar, 3 Commando Btln (Powindah), famous martyr of Operation Black Thunderstorm, KIA while clearing the Peochar Valley, known as 'Ghazanosar ka Hero'.
Major Zahid Hussain Shah, unit n/a, KIA in Op Rah-e-Raast.
Captain Ali Mehmood, 5 Commando Btln (Zilzaal), KIA in 2011 versus TTP in Mohmand Agency.
Captain Tariq Jamal, 6 Commando Btln (Al-Samsaam), KIA in 2012 during operation versus TTP in Orakzai Agency.
Captain Waseem Razi, 3 Commando Btln (Powindah), KIA during the infamous ambush at Tirah in 2013, during Op Rahe Shahadat.
Captain Ahmad Raza, 3 Commando Btln (Powindah), martyred during Op Rahe Shahadat at Tirah in 2013.
Captain Akash Rabbani, 4 Commando Btln (Yalghar). Famous martyr of Op ZeA in North Waziristan 2014, while conducting medevac and was hit by sniper fire.
Captain Qayyum Khan, unit n/a, KIA during Op ZeA in North Waziristan.
About 15 officers named on the roll of honor since 2006, more than total officers shaheed from 1956-2006. SS Group has been used time to time in our COIN ops, and has made big sacrifices. If you wish to add more details please point out.
3rd Commando Battalion
"Powindahs"
Based at Tarbela
33rd SS Brigade
Operation Qiadat, 1987- versus all odds
Powindahs bravely charged in subzero conditions to eliminate IA posts in the Bilafond sector and gain a foothold on the Saltoro Ridge. Several enemy posts were eliminated but the assault stalled and was aborted following lack of reinforcements and casualties.
This Operation earned 18 martyrs for us, including :
Captain Iqbal Khan HJ
Captain Salik Cheema SJ
En lost 21 men.
Late Lt.Col Haroon Islam as a Captain.
2nd Commando Battalion
"RAHBER"
11th SS Brigade
'We Lead The Way'
17 x Sitara-e-Jurat
8 x Tamgha-e-Jurat
17 x Sitara-e-Basalat
60 x Tamgha-e-Basalat
30 x Imtiazi Sanad
40 x COAS Commendation Cards
Quaid Company
Ghazi Company
Jangju Company
Tipu Company
HQ Suleman
Naib Subedar Atta Muhammad (SJ) was commanding a 7-8 man SSG team, manning the Quaid OP in Bilafond La sector of the Saltoro Ridge, in the spring of 1987.
This team was responsible for the deaths of 18 Indian troops in action even as it was pitted versus intense artillery and superior enemy numbers. 5 of them including NbSub Atta were martyred and the OP eventually fell, with munitions and supplies on a low after the rope link to Ali Brangsa (basecamp) was cut off by Indian artillery shelling and surrounding of the OP.
Captain Salik Nawaz Cheema SJ
Powindah Battalion
Capt Iqbal Shaheed (HJ), A Gallant SSG Officer Martyred At World Highest Battlefield Remembered On His Death Anniversary
Most of the people die on the bed others in accidents, but a few become immortal by laying their lives for the noble cause of safeguarding their motherland and set unprecedented examples of chivalry for others to follow.
Captain Muhammad Iqbal Khan Shaheed (Hilal-e-Jurat) was the one of the gallant SSG Officers of Pakistan Army, who embraced martyrdom over an altitude of 21,000 feet at the world's highest battle zone 'Siachen glaciers' on September 25, 1987 while defending his country against the enemy and became immortalized.
"Death is inexorable. One can die in a road accident or suffer the last rigours interminably on a bed but I want to face death and look it in the eyes like a true warrior," the 27 year old young army officer told his relatives and friends just two months before he left this mortal world as a bachelor.
Born at village Pashtoon Garhi in district Nowshera on November 15, 1960 at Haji Mir Ahmad Khan's residence, he got Commission in the Pakistan Army's ASC in 1982. He faced enemy at an altitude of above 21,000 feet in Siachen glaciers and fought like a lion. He faced two enemies; the Indian Army and the harsh weather with steadfastness, bravery and determination.
Noor Jehan, mother of Capt Iqbal, said he was highly devoted and obedient son. "During his visits to home, he met with all family members, relatives including our servant warmly keeping no distance being an officer.
"Captain Iqbal wanted to become an MBBS doctor in his early student life but later on changed his mind when he was BSc student at Islamia College Peshawar and wanted to join Pakistan Army to serve his country," she said.
He loved education as he often stressed on his brothers to attain higher studies. He was greatly impressed from the poetry of national poet, Dr Alama Muhammad Iqbal, she said.
She said just two months before his martyrdom, he wrote his will and handed it over to his close childhood friend Ghayasuddin and told him not to disclose it before his death.
The will of Capt Iqbal says, "I owe 16 days of fasting. I took a bank loan of Rs 900 from a fund reserved for science student. The administration block of the Peshawar University would have the necessary particulars. I owe this amount and it must be paid to the Bank. My grave should be left unplastered and let it be only as high as the Shariah allows. No flowers, no sehra, no dupatta for my grave. All these are rituals. prayer is the real thing. There should be no chehlum or anniversary for me. Don't cook rice and call people and give alms on these occasions. Nothing of the sort is permitted by Islamic injunctions. Charity can be given at any time and not necessary at these occasions. Instead of cooking rice and calling people, let the amount be spent on paving a street or constructing a drain or give it to a mosque.
This way it will be a perpetual charity. There is no need for ostentation. If the amount received fromthe government after my death is of the order of Rs 50,000 or more, fully Rs 40,000 be distributed amongst the poor and the deprived as atonement for the prayers I did not offer and the fast I did not keep.
Stop my relatives from doing anything unIslamic after my death. If they want to cook rice on a Friday or do something similar, don't let them. Let the amount be given in alms on another occasion. Anyone wanting to do me good after my death should recite Darood Sharif as often as possible and offer its blessings for my soul." He further wrote: "Let the green pack and the high neck jersey go back to the company stores and the bills for "langar" (mess), washer man and cobbler be paid." Later on August 23, 1987, Capt Iqbal wrote his last letter to his friend Ghayasuddin Khan, asking him to pray to Almighty Allah for his good health, grant him the courage to follow the right path and serve islam and bestow him the life of a victorious Ghazi or the death of a Shaheed.
Akram Khan and Shamus Khan, brothers of Capt Iqbal said they had fulfilled 'will' of his Shaheed brother in letter and spirit.
Every year his death anniversary is being observed with great reverence and respect but quite simplicity as his grave in Pashtoon Garhi has no epitaph, no flowers no sehra and no dupatta in consonance with his will.
Brigadier (Retd) Rasheed Malik (Sitara e Jurat), then Captain, who was accompanying Capt Iqbal in the 'Qiadat' Operation told APP that Capt Iqbal was a symbol of courage, valour and was a highly motivated person. "Capt Iqbal was a true Muslim and death was meaningless to him," he said.
He said the enemy had established scores of bunkers, trenches and posts at most strategic location in the illegally occupied territory of Siachen from where they (enemy) were consistently targeting Pakistani posts besides monitoring our activities at that time.
To give befitting reply to the enemy's unprovoked aggressions, an operation 'Quaidat' was launched in which Capt Iqbal was assigned the task of evacuation of casualties, provision of food ration and other necessary assistance to Pakistani troops.
"We took control of a number of key posts but several of our team members had either embraced martyrdom or received injuries during the said operation. We asked for help and Capt Iqbal swiftly reached by leading his platoon from the front side, inflicting heavy losses to the enemy," the eyewitness brigadier recalled.
"Capt Iqbal kept climbing the steep mountains of Siachen over 21000 feet with a gun in one hand and holding himself with the other in-spite of receiving serious bullet injuries on his legs but did not lose courage, determination and proceeded forward," Brigadier Retd Rasheed Malik recalled.
He destroyed many pickets on his way till he reached the highest picket on the Siachen Glacier, held by the enemy where he waged the fiercest battle and in the process embraced martyrdom on September 25, 1987.
Brig (Retd) Rasheed Malik said two officers including Capt Iqbal and Capt Salik Chema among 16 jawans were martyred and over 100 others injured during the said operation.
Captain Iqbal's body went missing for eleven months in snow, and was finally recovered during in action and brought to his native village on August 6, 1988 where a sea of people attended the funeral of the celebrated hero of Siachen.
In recognition of his supreme sacrifices for motherland, the Government of Pakistani awarded the second highest military award Hilal-e-Jurat to Capt Iqbal Shaheed besides named the one kilometer long newly constructed bridge on River Sindh that connected Attock in Punjab with Nowshera in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa after Captain Iqbal Shaheed besides a martyr monument at Khariyan.
https://www.urdupoint.com/en/pakistan/capt-iqbal-shaheed-hj-a-gallant-ssg-office-425540.html
Remarks on the SSG by a US Special Forces (Green Berets) officer in an old paper.
RescueRanger
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Training Nigerian Snipers
Qatar
[A Nigerian Solider wearing an SSG Patch]
Migrated from old Forum | Original contributor @Panzerkiel
Maj Rana Bilal Ahmed, SJ: A Hero of the 1971 War
Brig Tughral Yamin
Maj Bilal belongs to a generation of young men who died for their country fighting for the unity of motherland in East Pakistan. The deck was heavily stacked against them but notwithstanding the odds, the officers and men fought and died courageously in a war far from home. They did not return and lie buried in unmarked graves. May have Allah shower his infinite mercy on their souls.
I met Maj Bilal when I was a schoolkid, and he was a young captain in the special forces. I think the year should be 1968 or thereabouts. I was eleven years old and he 24. His elder sister was married to my father’s friend Mr. Subah Sadiq (SS for short) Hameed. Mr. Hameed was posted as manager of the State Bank’s Peshawar branch. He had a large house at Fort Road in the Cantonment near the cricket stadium. We children always had a fun time in the large rambling lawn, playing cricket and hide and seek. The Hameed children: Saeed, Gul and Sameena, were the same ages as us (myself and my two younger sisters Sadaf and Humaira).
I presume Maj Bilal Rana was deployed with special services at either Attock or Cherat at that time. I remember him as a dashing young officer. A few years later he was killed in action in the former East Pakistan in 1971. He was only 27 years old at the time. A grateful nation acknowledged his supreme sacrifice and awarded him the coveted gallantry award of Sitara-i-Jurat (Star of courage).
I joined 7FF in 1976 and my acquaintance with Maj Bilal renewed. His portrait adorned the anteroom of the officers’ mess. Bilal Masjid in our company lines in Multan was constructed by funds provided by his mother and was a constant reminder that Maj Bilal belonged to our unit. Each rifle company vied for the award i.e., the Bilal banner. The best company proudly displays it in its lines.
Maj Bilal was born November 12, 1944 to Rana Sher Jang and his wife. His parents lived in Rana Mansion Block 2 Commercial Area, PECHS Karachi. He joined PMA in a regular course on November 23, 1961, twelve days after his seventeenth birthday. He was allotted GC No. 3024. Commissioned as a second lieutenant on April 19, 1964 after one-and-a-half year of training, he was given the Army No PA 6917. The last digit matched the unit he joined – the prestigious 7th battalion of the Frontier Force Regiment. Bilal fought the 1965 War as a lieutenant and was promoted as a captain during the war. A few years later, he joined the SSG. After his basic training in Cherat, he was sent to the U.S. for an advance course.
When the war of 1971 broke out, Maj Bilal was serving with 2 Commando battalion. As the situation deteriorated, his company was sent to East Pakistan to become part of 3 Commando battalion. On the 25th of March 1971, 3 Commando was tasked to apprehend Sheikh Mujibur Rahman from his Dhan Mandi residence in Dhaka. The operation was fraught with danger, but Maj Bilal and his platoon pulled off the mission with clockwork precision. Sheikh Mujib was whisked away to West Pakistan, he would return to Bangladesh and hailed as its founding father. While Maj Bilal would never return to Pakistan to the bosom of his family.
The civil war in East Pakistan was actively supported by the Indians. After Pakistan Army had been suitably weakened fighting the Mukti Bahini, Indian army invaded East Pakistan on November 23, 1971. Maj Bilal’s depleted SSG company was employed for the protection of 39 (raised on ad hoc arrangements) Division. His ragtag band included naval ratings and sundry left-over elements were deployed in defending the Chandpur blocking position. He was killed in action on December 14, 1971 in aerial strafing on the naval gunboat that served as his company HQ, on the banks of the River Meghna in Chandpur district. The battlefield citation written by his GOC for the award of an SJ read:
“On 5th December 1971, when the enemy columns had broken through our defences between Laksham and Comilla and were heading for the Divisional Headquarters and Chandpur base, there were no troops on defensive positions except small detachments on bridges between him and his objectives. At that critical stage approximately half a company of commandos under Major Bilal Ahmed was made available to my Division. This company was given the task of delaying the enemy’s advance consisting of strong outflanking foot columns of Indian Army and Mukti Bahini supported by thousands of locals acting as porters. Major Bilal fought the enemy columns for almost three days and nights with his very small force holding a front of 5-6 miles. He not only held the enemy away from Chandpur, but he inflicted serious casualties on him. His troops were separated in twos and threes over this large frontage and were being harassed in the rear by hostile local population. By being continuously on the move conducting raids and readjusting his positions, he fought numerous skirmishes with the enemy as well as the local population, but maintained an intact front and thereby succeeded in delaying the enemy till the night of 7/8th when final evacuation of Chandpur took place. Exhausted, hungry and continuously under enemy attacks, this officer showed determination and gallantry of the highest order. Despite the casualties being suffered by his small band, he fought rear guard action against vastly superior enemy columns over a distance of approximately 40 miles for about 72 hours gaining in valuable time for the evacuation of Chandpur base. But for his personal courage, continuously exposing himself to enemy fire and his daring raids, his small force would have melted, resulting in disaster in that sector. He displayed exemplary courage, determination and the will to fight on against great odds during a withdrawal which taxed the morale of his troops to the utmost but was sustained only by his personal example.
He, unfortunately, was killed in enemy air attack soon after he had accomplished his mission. I strongly recommend him for a posthumous award of Sitara-i-Jurat.”
An eyewitness account states:
“Dear Tughral! I am an eyewitness to Maj Bilal’s shahadat. I was Adjutant 2 Commando Battalion at Dacca. On 13/14 night December 1971, I, with one Platoon, proceeded to Chandpur Ferry in a naval boat to reinforce Bilal's Jangju Company. On 14 December, at first light Indian Air Force attacked and strafed bullets on the gunboat in which Company HQ was located. When Indian Air Force came for a second round, Maj Bilal aimed his SMG at the attacking aircraft and fired. But unfortunately, we both got severely wounded due to bullets and the boat's collapse. From there our men evacuated us to CMH Dacca in a native power-boat. Bilal during evacuation succumbed to wounds and embraced shahadat. I remained in CMH Dacca and from there was evacuated to CMH Agra for subsequent treatment. This is an eyewitness account of my short stay with Bilal’s Jangju company. Regards, Col Zaffar Cheema (Retired). SSG/2 Cdo Bn.” (Received on November 5, 2020)
Obituary report of Col Suleiman SSG published in The News edition of December 19, 2019 stated: During the war, SSG Commando Major Bilal Rana turned to his friend Col Suleiman and said, "Promise me one thing, take this grenade of mine and should the enemy get close, use the grenade but never be captured by them and one last thing, should you have a son, name him Bilal" and with this sentence, they both erupted with uncontrollable laughter.
Col Suleiman was able to escape from East Pakistan and did not become a prisoner of war. True to his promise, he named his son Bilal and so did another coursemate, General Pervez Musharraf.
Col Zaffar Cheema says that Maj Bilal is buried in the Army graveyard in Dhaka. He had visited the site in a subsequent visit to Bangladesh to attend the wedding of the daughter of a Bengali friend. The graves of the Pakistani soldiers in East Pakistan bear no markers. It is time that we reclaimed the graves of our fallen soldiers and accord them the respect that they deserve.
Israr Muhammad, who saved Ambassador Ubaid Nizamani during an assassination attempt on the 2nd of December, 2022, when he took two bullets as he shielded the ambassador’s body with his own and still continued discharging his protection duties after being wounded and while being under fire.
Israr Muhammad is an operative of the Pakistan Army’s Special Services Group (SSG) from the 6th Commando Battalion (‘Al-Samsaam’) and was deployed to Afghanistan on personal protection duties for the Pakistani Head of Mission in Kabul.
K
khan_patriot
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Glad to see this thread up and running here as well
Reichmarshal
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The title of this thread should be " tip of the sharp sword "
RescueRanger
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Good suggestion, will edit now.
Fatman17
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OPINION
ByMehmood Ul Hassan Khan
June 10, 2015
The Special Services Group (SSG), Pakistan is an elite force and also one of the oldest Special Forces (SF) outfits in Asia. It has been ranked the best among the top Special Forces in the world. It has been icon of courage, professionalism and diversification since 1956 in the country. SSG personnel are experts in unarmed combat.
SSG: Ever-Ready
Ever-ready to defend their country they are especially trained to cope with extraordinary situations. They are called for action when the situation goes out from the reach of other forces. They dare to do what others fear to do. Martyrdom is their motto.
Effective Force
The SSG is a small but very effective force. Whenever it is employed it inflicts damages on the enemy out of proportion to its size. Due to its remarkable achievements the SSG becomes a critical force multiplier. They are strategic assets and precision instruments. While surprise is their main weapon, their success also depends on the quality of intelligence, since their operational plans are based on it.
SSG and War against Terrorism
In the ongoing fierce war against terrorism they are the best available option of the Armed Forces that can create fear and uncertainty in the minds of the terrorist and insurgents, a situation that should repeatedly be exploited by the army to break the militants both mentally and physically.
SSG ranked the Best
Pakistan’s Special Services Group (SSG), is recently ranked the best Elite Special Force in the world by Business Insider Australia. Pakistan’s SSG topped the list and once again, India failed to even make it to this list.
According to Business Insider, “The Special Services Group, SSG, in Pakistan is better known in the country as the “Black Storks” due to the commandos’ unique headgear. Training reportedly includes a 36-mile march in 12 hours and a five-mile run in 20 minutes in full gear.” SSG commandos played very important role in the ongoing war against terrorism. They go where other soldiers fear to tread, scoping out potential threats, taking out strategic targets, and conducting daring rescue missions. They really are the best of the best.
Source: Business Insider, Australia (2015)
SSG: An Independent Commando Division
Special Service Group (SSG) is an independent commando division of the Pakistan Army. It is an elite special operations force similar to the United States Army Special Forces (Green Berets) and the British Army’s SAS.
Formation
It was formed with US Army assistance in 1953-54. Initially it was named The 10 Baloch Regiment and the battalion was posted to a new headquarters at Cherat near Attock City. A Mobile Training Team (MTT) from the US Army Special Forces Group (Airborne) visited Pakistan to set up a new airborne school at Peshawar for 19 Baloch in March 1964. The school included basic and jumpmaster courses. All members of 19 Baloch were airborne-qualified. The training team also included four riggers who helped train Pakistani counterparts.
19 Baloch
In its early days of formation and rigorous training 19 Baloch was considered the SSG (Special Services Group) which was divided into 24 companies. Each company had specialization units, specialized in desert, mountain, ranger, and underwater warfare. The desert companies participated in training exercises with US Army Special Forces Mobile Training Team in late 1964. The scuba company in Karachi was renowned for its tough physical training.
Anti-Terrorist Role
With the passage of time, an anti-terrorist role was added in 1970. It was given to the Musa Company, an independent formation within SSG. The name was given after the name of Prophet Musa. The company was originally formed in 1970 as a combat diver unit. In 1980 however each company was given a diver unit. After the Musa Company was converted to an anti-terrorist unit, it received training by British SAS advisors in Cherat during mid-1981.
As policy SSG regularly sends students to the US for special warfare and airborne training. Later on due to the Siachen crisis, a Snow and High Altitude Warfare School was also established.
SSG and Sri Lankan Paramilitary Militia Forces
SSG began a large-scale basic training program for Sri Lankan Paramilitary militia forces in 1986. Commando and airborne training was given to members of the Sri Lankan Commando Regiment. It paid its dividends in the war of sever insurgence in Sri Lanka against Tamil Tigers.
SSG and Afghanistan’s War
SSG played a crucial role in Afghanistan during the Afghan war. They have been very successful in covert operations. They are now placed at strategic locations within the country. Each SSG battalion numbers 700 men in four companies. Each company is split into platoons and further sub-divided into 10 men teams. Battalions are commanded by Lieutenant Colonels, the group is currently run by a Colonel.
Selection
SSG stands for toughness and accuracy. It is an ideal combination of passion and obsession due to which selection for service with the SSG is tough. Volunteers from all over the Pakistan Army apply but 2/3 are rejected during the initial selection phase, and 1/3 of the selected fall out during the training phase due to lack of physical and mental resilience that is required during the training.
Training
Source: Comparative Study of Different Training Manuals of Armed Forces of Pakistan
Additional Specialist Training
Many SSG commandos are selected for additional specialist training where following courses are offered.
HALO Course: HALO stands for (high altitude, low opening) or HAHO (high altitude, high opening) jumps. It is given with a “skydiver” tab awarded after 5 freefall jumps.
Mountain Warfare: A qualification badge is given after completing a course at the Mountain Warfare School.
Combat Diver: A badge is awarded for the course held by the Naval Special Services Group SSGN at Karachi.
Combat Swimmers: The classes of combat swimmers are arranged. 1st class to those completing an 18-mile swim; 2nd class to those finishing a 12-mile swim; and 3rd class for a 6-mile swim.
During the wars of 1965 and 1971 the SSG proved first line of defence with the mandate of specialising in asymmetrical warfare, the SSG has since gone from brigade to division strength. The secret of its success was stealth and secrecy. They are proficient in handling machine guns, sub-machine guns and pistols. They are trained to fire from the hip with speed and accuracy, even when on the move. Experts in unarmed combat, they are deadly even with no weapons other than their hands and feet. They are experts of conventional and unconventional warfare. They have also expertise in both guerrilla and anti-guerrilla operations. The most recently launched military operations Khyber-I & II and Zarb-e-Azb witnessed the ruthlessness, accuracy and endurance levels of SSG officers. Even Operation Rah-e-Raast in Swat and North & West Waziristan endorsed SSG the best in the country. Descending from helicopters, the commandos quickly secured the heights, attacked downhill, forcing the insurgents to descend into the waiting arms of the infantry in the valley.
SSG and most Demanding Operations
The most demanding operations for the SSG officers are those that are carried out deep behind enemy lines, cut off from supplies, support or even an escape route. These operations demand the highest state of physical and mental toughness, resourcefulness, and the ability to remain cool and motivated far beyond the bounds of conventional human endurance.
The above diagram clearly shows that SSG operation is an ideal combination of science and art. It is the combination of management and planning and requires proper preparation, execution and courage to face the enemy in its own soil. The element of surprise upholds its chances of success. Each and every part of its operation plays a very decisive role because if it is not properly planned, prepared the elements of intelligence and surprise are compromised.
SSG Infiltration
Often, SSG teams infiltrate behind enemy lines either by land, air or sea. Insertion by land is gigantic and energy, time-consuming as it involves crossing the frontlines, whereas the air option, in which the preferred means is by helicopter, is the least hazardous and quickest. SSG is best used in support of the army’s offensives to create a strategic impact on the enemy that can then be exploited by conventional forces.
Diversified Operations
The SSG has been trained to carry out the following special operations.
Formation
As a result of close study of the special operations conducted during WWII by the allies and German alike, the Pakistan Army realized the benefits of having a force that could operate behind enemy lines and sabotage the war efforts of its adversary. The SSG doctrine and tactics have evolved independently of the influences of any of the world’s other prominent SF outfits.
Major Expansion
After the war 1965 it went under a major organization (vertical & horizontal) expansion. Two new battalions were formed.
Current SSG
It has been maintained at 3 battalions with approximately 700 men each. These battalions are further divided into 4 companies each that are split into platoons consisting of 10 men each. The battalions continue to be commanded by officers of the rank of Lieutenant Colonel while a Brigadier oversees the SSG as whole from the Group HQ.
The Independent Musa Company has evolved into a genuine and sole counter-terrorism capability in the country. Due to immense experience as result of the many wars with India, Siachen Glacier, The Afghan War, War on terrorism, proxies, etc, the SSG has evolved as the best in the world.
Different Modes of Training
Internal security, assault and small unit tactics, sniping, demolition, survival, languages, small arms familiarization, fighting in built up areas (FIBUA), close quarter battle tactics (CQB), long range recce patrol (LRRP), Martial arts, espionage, psychoanalytic, criminal psychology courses.
Different Types of Missions
Universal Advisory Role
The SSG helped to train members of Sri Lankan Special Forces to counter Tamil Elan Fighters in mid 1980s due to which Sri Lanka Army successfully defeated Tamil Tigers and ultimately restored peace in the different troubled areas. SSG was tasked to train Special Services Regiment of the Malaysian Army in high-attitude warfare in 1994 which they successfully used in Bosnia’s operations.
The SSG has been conducting regular bi-annual exercises with so many regional countries especially Turkey, China, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Iran and Malaysia. The SSG even have been staging joint training exercises with UK and US being our strategic partners against the war of terror.
The SSG have been conducting joint sessions of training exercises with Turkish Special Forces, which have been named “Ataturk” series. During 1980-90 it held many training exercises with US Special Forces termed “Inspired Venture”. It has been conducting training programs with Jordanian, Iranian and Saudi Arabian Special Forces too. SSG officers have been imparted to UK, Malaysia and US for higher training programs during 1990s. It has also comprehensive joint training program with Chinese (Iron Brother) called “Youyi” exercise.
Different Famous Operations
Source: Mehmood Ul Hassan Khan (Zarb-e-Azb: Managing Crisis for Survival, 2014).
SSG and Zarb-e-Azb
The military operation Zarb-e-Azb was launched by the Pakistan Army on June 15, 2014 following a brazen militant attack on Karachi’s international airport and failure of peace talks between the government and Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) negotiators. It is noted that there has been a significant decline in major terrorist attacks after the launch of Zarb-e-Azb due to close collaboration between Pakistan Army and the SSG Units. It is a major immediate achievement of the operation. Several top TTP leaders have either fled from Pakistan or have been killed or have gone underground to escape action by security forces.
SSG’s Reorganization
Its restructure plan was approved in 2003. It has been reorganized by creating the newly created units by raising it to the divisional level of Brigade level. It also included the creation of sub-HQ to support various SSG units during operations.
Moreover, three commandos Battalion was converted into a Special Operations Battalion (Spec Ops Bn) to deal with Low Intensity Conflicts (LIC) A four commando Battalion was also formed to fill this gap.
Concluding Remarks
The Special Services Group (SSG) Pakistan is a symbol of accuracy, professionalism and swiftness. It is the pioneer of all types of covert operations in the country and stands for dutifulness and determination. It has already accomplished many missions vital for the security and peace of the country and its people alike. It is the icon of smart power. It has diverse skills to cope with any kind of danger. It has capabilities of preemptive and offensive strikes. The SSG is a strategic asset which cares about the strategic interests of the country and its important installations.
We are living in a complex world, obsessed by power politics. Conspiracy, confront and destruction are the mantra of the enemy. The era of “Hybrid Warfare” has changed the concept of the theater of war where stability of socio-economic-politico plays very important role. Our enemy has already announced to start propaganda campaigns against “Pak-China Economic Corridor” which needs to be defused with the help of all the available agency apparatus, media, good governance, Pakistan Armed Forces and the last but not the least, SSG. Moreover, covert operations of RAW in many parts of our country (Balochistan, Karachi, KPK, and funding to TTP and insurgents) requires complete cooperation and coordination among all the agencies and SSG.
After the tragic incident of APA School there is an urgent need of overhauling of secret agencies, law enforcement department and training patterns of Pakistan Police and Frontier Constabulary. SSG can play instrumental role to training all the people of security in order to restore the peace and harmony in the country.
We are living in a “Cyber Warfare Doctrine” which must be an important part of training programs of new SSG officers. Internet and Social Media are the two main suppliers of ISIS and other terrorist’s outfits which need to be dismantled with the cyber warfare unit of Armed Forces and SSG.
The Special Services Group (SSG), Pakistan has been at the forefront of training other Special Operations from Pakistan Armed Services. The special services wing (SSW) of Pakistan Air Force, Special Services Group Nay (SSGN) of Pakistan Navy, Special Operations Wing (SOW) of the Pakistan’s Frontier Corps, Rapid Action Teams (RAT) of Pakistan Rangers and Elite Units of the Pakistan Police are trained by SSG.
Mehmood Ul Hassan Khan
Mehmood-Ul-Hassan Khan holds the degrees of MPA (Management & Marketing) and Journalism (Development & Public Relations) From the University of the Punjab. Lahore. He Is research scholar. Did Various Courses relating To banking, law and HRM Contributed articles on Banking Economics (Pakistan & International) , Geo - Strategic issues (regional & global) with especial reference to south East Asia, Middle East and Central Asia, Current affairs, Comparative international power politics and diplomacy in various local and foreign newspapers, Journals and departments like, BBC Asia Network, MMN, USA, Journal of world Affairs and New Technology, USA and AIDS AND BEHAVIOR USA.
Special Services Group (SSG), Pakistan
ByMehmood Ul Hassan Khan
June 10, 2015
The Special Services Group (SSG), Pakistan is an elite force and also one of the oldest Special Forces (SF) outfits in Asia. It has been ranked the best among the top Special Forces in the world. It has been icon of courage, professionalism and diversification since 1956 in the country. SSG personnel are experts in unarmed combat.
SSG: Ever-Ready
Ever-ready to defend their country they are especially trained to cope with extraordinary situations. They are called for action when the situation goes out from the reach of other forces. They dare to do what others fear to do. Martyrdom is their motto.
Effective Force
The SSG is a small but very effective force. Whenever it is employed it inflicts damages on the enemy out of proportion to its size. Due to its remarkable achievements the SSG becomes a critical force multiplier. They are strategic assets and precision instruments. While surprise is their main weapon, their success also depends on the quality of intelligence, since their operational plans are based on it.
SSG and War against Terrorism
In the ongoing fierce war against terrorism they are the best available option of the Armed Forces that can create fear and uncertainty in the minds of the terrorist and insurgents, a situation that should repeatedly be exploited by the army to break the militants both mentally and physically.
SSG ranked the Best
Pakistan’s Special Services Group (SSG), is recently ranked the best Elite Special Force in the world by Business Insider Australia. Pakistan’s SSG topped the list and once again, India failed to even make it to this list.
According to Business Insider, “The Special Services Group, SSG, in Pakistan is better known in the country as the “Black Storks” due to the commandos’ unique headgear. Training reportedly includes a 36-mile march in 12 hours and a five-mile run in 20 minutes in full gear.” SSG commandos played very important role in the ongoing war against terrorism. They go where other soldiers fear to tread, scoping out potential threats, taking out strategic targets, and conducting daring rescue missions. They really are the best of the best.
| Ranking | Name of the Elite Force | Country |
| 1 | Special Services Group, (SSG) | Pakistan |
| 2 | Naval Special Warfare Force | Spain |
| 3 | Alpha Group | Russia |
| 4 | National Gendarmerie Intervention Group (GIGN) | France |
| 5 | Sayeret Matkal | Israel |
| 6 | Special Air Service | UK |
| 7 | Special Boat Service | UK |
| 8 | Navy SEALS | US |
| 9 | Marines | US |
SSG: An Independent Commando Division
Special Service Group (SSG) is an independent commando division of the Pakistan Army. It is an elite special operations force similar to the United States Army Special Forces (Green Berets) and the British Army’s SAS.
Formation
It was formed with US Army assistance in 1953-54. Initially it was named The 10 Baloch Regiment and the battalion was posted to a new headquarters at Cherat near Attock City. A Mobile Training Team (MTT) from the US Army Special Forces Group (Airborne) visited Pakistan to set up a new airborne school at Peshawar for 19 Baloch in March 1964. The school included basic and jumpmaster courses. All members of 19 Baloch were airborne-qualified. The training team also included four riggers who helped train Pakistani counterparts.
19 Baloch
In its early days of formation and rigorous training 19 Baloch was considered the SSG (Special Services Group) which was divided into 24 companies. Each company had specialization units, specialized in desert, mountain, ranger, and underwater warfare. The desert companies participated in training exercises with US Army Special Forces Mobile Training Team in late 1964. The scuba company in Karachi was renowned for its tough physical training.
Anti-Terrorist Role
With the passage of time, an anti-terrorist role was added in 1970. It was given to the Musa Company, an independent formation within SSG. The name was given after the name of Prophet Musa. The company was originally formed in 1970 as a combat diver unit. In 1980 however each company was given a diver unit. After the Musa Company was converted to an anti-terrorist unit, it received training by British SAS advisors in Cherat during mid-1981.
As policy SSG regularly sends students to the US for special warfare and airborne training. Later on due to the Siachen crisis, a Snow and High Altitude Warfare School was also established.
SSG and Sri Lankan Paramilitary Militia Forces
SSG began a large-scale basic training program for Sri Lankan Paramilitary militia forces in 1986. Commando and airborne training was given to members of the Sri Lankan Commando Regiment. It paid its dividends in the war of sever insurgence in Sri Lanka against Tamil Tigers.
SSG and Afghanistan’s War
SSG played a crucial role in Afghanistan during the Afghan war. They have been very successful in covert operations. They are now placed at strategic locations within the country. Each SSG battalion numbers 700 men in four companies. Each company is split into platoons and further sub-divided into 10 men teams. Battalions are commanded by Lieutenant Colonels, the group is currently run by a Colonel.
Selection
SSG stands for toughness and accuracy. It is an ideal combination of passion and obsession due to which selection for service with the SSG is tough. Volunteers from all over the Pakistan Army apply but 2/3 are rejected during the initial selection phase, and 1/3 of the selected fall out during the training phase due to lack of physical and mental resilience that is required during the training.
Training
| Different Stages | Details |
| Training | A SSG officer must have at least two years of prior military experience and volunteer from other formations for three-year assignments with the SSG. They have to undergo forced marches in which they have to cross 36 miles of rugged terrain in nine hours while wearing full combat loads. Typical exercises involve round-the-clock movement for five days and nights without sleep, while carrying only two days-worth of food and water. Once that runs out, they must live off the land and the few villages in the area are kept under surveillance by the trainers. |
| NCO/Enlisted Men | NCO and enlisted men volunteer from other formations to serve permanently in the SSG. |
| Duration | All trainees must participate in an eight-month SSG course. |
| Course | It emphasizes tough physical conditioning. Included is a 36-mile march in 12 hours, a grueling requirement that was first institutionalized by 19 Baloch. |
| Physical Endurance | They are also required to run 5 miles in 40 minutes with full gear. |
| Airborne School | Following the SSG course, trainees must volunteer for Airborne School. The course last four weeks, with wings awarded after seven (five day, two night) jumps. Non SSG airborne students only have to complete the five day jump. |
Additional Specialist Training
Many SSG commandos are selected for additional specialist training where following courses are offered.
HALO Course: HALO stands for (high altitude, low opening) or HAHO (high altitude, high opening) jumps. It is given with a “skydiver” tab awarded after 5 freefall jumps.
Mountain Warfare: A qualification badge is given after completing a course at the Mountain Warfare School.
Combat Diver: A badge is awarded for the course held by the Naval Special Services Group SSGN at Karachi.
Combat Swimmers: The classes of combat swimmers are arranged. 1st class to those completing an 18-mile swim; 2nd class to those finishing a 12-mile swim; and 3rd class for a 6-mile swim.
During the wars of 1965 and 1971 the SSG proved first line of defence with the mandate of specialising in asymmetrical warfare, the SSG has since gone from brigade to division strength. The secret of its success was stealth and secrecy. They are proficient in handling machine guns, sub-machine guns and pistols. They are trained to fire from the hip with speed and accuracy, even when on the move. Experts in unarmed combat, they are deadly even with no weapons other than their hands and feet. They are experts of conventional and unconventional warfare. They have also expertise in both guerrilla and anti-guerrilla operations. The most recently launched military operations Khyber-I & II and Zarb-e-Azb witnessed the ruthlessness, accuracy and endurance levels of SSG officers. Even Operation Rah-e-Raast in Swat and North & West Waziristan endorsed SSG the best in the country. Descending from helicopters, the commandos quickly secured the heights, attacked downhill, forcing the insurgents to descend into the waiting arms of the infantry in the valley.
SSG and most Demanding Operations
The most demanding operations for the SSG officers are those that are carried out deep behind enemy lines, cut off from supplies, support or even an escape route. These operations demand the highest state of physical and mental toughness, resourcefulness, and the ability to remain cool and motivated far beyond the bounds of conventional human endurance.
The above diagram clearly shows that SSG operation is an ideal combination of science and art. It is the combination of management and planning and requires proper preparation, execution and courage to face the enemy in its own soil. The element of surprise upholds its chances of success. Each and every part of its operation plays a very decisive role because if it is not properly planned, prepared the elements of intelligence and surprise are compromised.
SSG Infiltration
Often, SSG teams infiltrate behind enemy lines either by land, air or sea. Insertion by land is gigantic and energy, time-consuming as it involves crossing the frontlines, whereas the air option, in which the preferred means is by helicopter, is the least hazardous and quickest. SSG is best used in support of the army’s offensives to create a strategic impact on the enemy that can then be exploited by conventional forces.
Diversified Operations
The SSG has been trained to carry out the following special operations.
| Sr. No | Nature of Operations |
| 1 | Unconventional |
| 2 | Foreign Internal Defence |
| 3 | Special Recon Missions |
| 4 | Direct Action |
| 5 | Hostage Rescue |
| 6 | Covert/Clandestine Operations |
| 7 | Personnel Recovery |
| 8 | Counter-Terrorism |
| 9 | Counter-Proliferation |
| 10 | Mountain Warfare |
| 11 | Special Operations |
| 12 | Asymmetric Warfare |
| 13 | Nuclear |
| 14 | Biological |
| 15 | Chemical Warfare |
| 16 | Counter Insurgency |
| 17 | Parameter Defence |
| 18 | Air/Under-Water/Land borne Operations |
| 19 | VVIP Escorts |
| 20 | Arctic Warfare |
As a result of close study of the special operations conducted during WWII by the allies and German alike, the Pakistan Army realized the benefits of having a force that could operate behind enemy lines and sabotage the war efforts of its adversary. The SSG doctrine and tactics have evolved independently of the influences of any of the world’s other prominent SF outfits.
Major Expansion
After the war 1965 it went under a major organization (vertical & horizontal) expansion. Two new battalions were formed.
Current SSG
It has been maintained at 3 battalions with approximately 700 men each. These battalions are further divided into 4 companies each that are split into platoons consisting of 10 men each. The battalions continue to be commanded by officers of the rank of Lieutenant Colonel while a Brigadier oversees the SSG as whole from the Group HQ.
The Independent Musa Company has evolved into a genuine and sole counter-terrorism capability in the country. Due to immense experience as result of the many wars with India, Siachen Glacier, The Afghan War, War on terrorism, proxies, etc, the SSG has evolved as the best in the world.
Different Modes of Training
Internal security, assault and small unit tactics, sniping, demolition, survival, languages, small arms familiarization, fighting in built up areas (FIBUA), close quarter battle tactics (CQB), long range recce patrol (LRRP), Martial arts, espionage, psychoanalytic, criminal psychology courses.
Different Types of Missions
| Sr. No | Nature of the different Missions |
| 1 | Unconventional Warfare |
| 2 | Long-Range Reconnaissance |
| 3 | Intelligence Gathering |
| 4 | Riverine Operations |
| 5 | Counter-Terrorism |
| 6 | Tactical Assaults |
The SSG helped to train members of Sri Lankan Special Forces to counter Tamil Elan Fighters in mid 1980s due to which Sri Lanka Army successfully defeated Tamil Tigers and ultimately restored peace in the different troubled areas. SSG was tasked to train Special Services Regiment of the Malaysian Army in high-attitude warfare in 1994 which they successfully used in Bosnia’s operations.
The SSG has been conducting regular bi-annual exercises with so many regional countries especially Turkey, China, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Iran and Malaysia. The SSG even have been staging joint training exercises with UK and US being our strategic partners against the war of terror.
The SSG have been conducting joint sessions of training exercises with Turkish Special Forces, which have been named “Ataturk” series. During 1980-90 it held many training exercises with US Special Forces termed “Inspired Venture”. It has been conducting training programs with Jordanian, Iranian and Saudi Arabian Special Forces too. SSG officers have been imparted to UK, Malaysia and US for higher training programs during 1990s. It has also comprehensive joint training program with Chinese (Iron Brother) called “Youyi” exercise.
Different Famous Operations
| Name of the Operations | Details |
| Afghanistan’s War | It regularly trained the Afghan fighters in guerilla tactics due to which they damaged the core strength of USSR forces. |
| Grand Mosque Seizure (1979) | The SSG jointly launched operation Clean Wash Water with French forces and killed all the terrorists in Holy Kaaba. |
| Soviet-Afghan War (1979-89) | The history witnessed the might of the SSG officers in shape of gradual defeat and withdrawal of former USSR forces from the soil of Afghan. The SSG remained very instrumental in diversified sabotage activities and trained the Afghan fighters in disguised manners. |
| Sri Lankan Tamil Tigers (1980) | The close cooperation and collaboration to the extent of rigorous training programs, the Sri Lankan Army rooted-out the menace of insurgency from the troubled areas possessed by Tamil Tigers. |
| Counter-Insurgency Operation (1974) | Balochistan has had been center for insurgencies sponsored by foreign agencies and countries. The SSG played instrumental role in elimination and marginalization of different factions of trouble-makers. |
| Indian Airline Hijacking (1981) | The SSG (Musa Company) rescued all the 45 passengers and arrested all the hijackers. |
| PAN AM Flight 73 Hijacking (1986) | A Boeing 737 was hijacked which was rescued by the SSG officers. One terrorist was killed while others were arrested. It was complete show of better communication and physical skills of the SSG where elements of surprise and preciseness played decisive role. |
| School Bus Hijacking Islamabad (1998) | Three Afghan hijacked school bus which was rescued by the SSG commanders. 57 passengers were released afterwards. |
| Kargil Operation (1999) | Pakistan Army conducted a covert operation within the soil of India in 1999 for achieving some strategic goals in 1999. The SSG officers/commandos played very important role and captured strategic positions. |
| War on Terror (2001-2015) | Pakistan has been at receiving end due to front line state against terrorism since 2001. The SSG conducted so many covert operations to safeguard the best interests of the country. |
| (a) Enduring Freedom (2001-02) | It was partially successful in its prime objectives of overthrowing the Taliban regime and capturing some supporters of al Qaeda. |
| (b) Al-Mizan (2002-06) | It continued against militants in selected parts of NWA with different intensities at different times. It was a successful operation in which Pakistan Army and SSG fought jointly. |
| (c) Rah-e-Haq (Nov 2007) | It was launched in 2007 and basic objective of its first phase was to tackle the TNSM in Swat valley. |
| (d) Zalzala (Jan-May 2008) | It carried out in Spinkai, SWA, concluded with mixed results as the army had successfully captured the area. |
| (e) Rah-e-Rast (2007-09) | It was an offensive against barbaric Taliban militant in Mingora, and Swat. |
| (f) Sher Dil (Sept 2009) | It was launched by Pak army in Bajaur agency to target all militant groups which were threat to Pakistan security. |
| (g) Rah-e-Nijat (2009-10) | It was launched against militants in South Waziristan. Gunship helicopters and aircraft were used. |
| (h) Koh-e-Sufaid (2008-11) | It continued from 2008 to 2011. It had many objectives including elimination of Taliban militants and reopening of Thall-Parachinar road which consistently remained under attack of Taliban. |
SSG and Zarb-e-Azb
The military operation Zarb-e-Azb was launched by the Pakistan Army on June 15, 2014 following a brazen militant attack on Karachi’s international airport and failure of peace talks between the government and Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) negotiators. It is noted that there has been a significant decline in major terrorist attacks after the launch of Zarb-e-Azb due to close collaboration between Pakistan Army and the SSG Units. It is a major immediate achievement of the operation. Several top TTP leaders have either fled from Pakistan or have been killed or have gone underground to escape action by security forces.
SSG’s Reorganization
Its restructure plan was approved in 2003. It has been reorganized by creating the newly created units by raising it to the divisional level of Brigade level. It also included the creation of sub-HQ to support various SSG units during operations.
Moreover, three commandos Battalion was converted into a Special Operations Battalion (Spec Ops Bn) to deal with Low Intensity Conflicts (LIC) A four commando Battalion was also formed to fill this gap.
Concluding Remarks
The Special Services Group (SSG) Pakistan is a symbol of accuracy, professionalism and swiftness. It is the pioneer of all types of covert operations in the country and stands for dutifulness and determination. It has already accomplished many missions vital for the security and peace of the country and its people alike. It is the icon of smart power. It has diverse skills to cope with any kind of danger. It has capabilities of preemptive and offensive strikes. The SSG is a strategic asset which cares about the strategic interests of the country and its important installations.
We are living in a complex world, obsessed by power politics. Conspiracy, confront and destruction are the mantra of the enemy. The era of “Hybrid Warfare” has changed the concept of the theater of war where stability of socio-economic-politico plays very important role. Our enemy has already announced to start propaganda campaigns against “Pak-China Economic Corridor” which needs to be defused with the help of all the available agency apparatus, media, good governance, Pakistan Armed Forces and the last but not the least, SSG. Moreover, covert operations of RAW in many parts of our country (Balochistan, Karachi, KPK, and funding to TTP and insurgents) requires complete cooperation and coordination among all the agencies and SSG.
After the tragic incident of APA School there is an urgent need of overhauling of secret agencies, law enforcement department and training patterns of Pakistan Police and Frontier Constabulary. SSG can play instrumental role to training all the people of security in order to restore the peace and harmony in the country.
We are living in a “Cyber Warfare Doctrine” which must be an important part of training programs of new SSG officers. Internet and Social Media are the two main suppliers of ISIS and other terrorist’s outfits which need to be dismantled with the cyber warfare unit of Armed Forces and SSG.
The Special Services Group (SSG), Pakistan has been at the forefront of training other Special Operations from Pakistan Armed Services. The special services wing (SSW) of Pakistan Air Force, Special Services Group Nay (SSGN) of Pakistan Navy, Special Operations Wing (SOW) of the Pakistan’s Frontier Corps, Rapid Action Teams (RAT) of Pakistan Rangers and Elite Units of the Pakistan Police are trained by SSG.
Mehmood Ul Hassan Khan
Mehmood-Ul-Hassan Khan holds the degrees of MPA (Management & Marketing) and Journalism (Development & Public Relations) From the University of the Punjab. Lahore. He Is research scholar. Did Various Courses relating To banking, law and HRM Contributed articles on Banking Economics (Pakistan & International) , Geo - Strategic issues (regional & global) with especial reference to south East Asia, Middle East and Central Asia, Current affairs, Comparative international power politics and diplomacy in various local and foreign newspapers, Journals and departments like, BBC Asia Network, MMN, USA, Journal of world Affairs and New Technology, USA and AIDS AND BEHAVIOR USA.
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China Set to Arm Pakistan With DF-17 Hypersonic Missiles in Dramatic Strategic Shift (51 Viewers)
- Latest: CallSignMaverick
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