Egypt’s Armed Forces have released a new episode of the documentary series “Hekayat Batal” (A Hero’s Story), highlighting the life and sacrifice of Lieutenant Colonel Engineer Ayman Abdel Hamid Katat, a military engineer remembered by comrades for his exceptional professionalism and his unwavering belief that protecting others was both a duty and an act of faith.
The episode, titled “Al-Mohandes” (“The Engineer”), was published on the official platforms of military spokesperson Brigadier General Staff Gharib Abdel Hafez as part of an ongoing effort to document the stories of servicemen who lost their lives during Egypt’s counter-terrorism operations in North Sinai.
Through testimonies from fellow officers and soldiers, the documentary presents Katat as a man whose commitment to duty went beyond military responsibility.
According to one of his commanders, Ayman Katat insisted on volunteering for combat missions even when he was not initially included in operational plans.
Driven by loyalty to his comrades and devotion to his country, he never concealed his desire to stand alongside his men on the battlefield.
Colleagues describe him as one of the most capable officers in military engineering. He specialised in detecting explosives and securing combat zones, earning a reputation for calmness and exceptional skill in dealing with sophisticated booby traps and improvised explosive devices.
His work, however, was guided by a deeper conviction.
“This is something I do for the sake of God,” he would often tell fellow. “I am removing harm from the road, and God will reward me for that.”
Commanders say his knowledge and professionalism made him a constant presence in major operations, where his ability to identify hidden threats often proved decisive.
His final mission came during a large-scale operation in the rugged area of Jabal Al-Kharab.
After days of intense fighting in difficult terrain, troops began facing shortages in fuel, ammunition and food supplies.
Refusing to see his comrades struggle, Katat volunteered to personally escort logistical supplies through dangerous and unpaved routes into the heart of the mountain.
He travelled in a Humvee alongside Major Amr Khaled, another officer who would later lose his life in the same mission.
One commander recalled their final meeting with emotion.
“Ayman came to me smiling and said: ‘I’m here to have lunch with you.’ We shared some cheese, onions and dry bread,” he remembered.
The two officers discussed the progress of operations and concerns that terrorists might attempt to plant more explosive devices.
Before leaving, Katat asked for his phone and radio batteries to be charged.
“When God grants us success and this operation ends, we’ll climb to a high point and call our families to reassure them,” he said.
Shortly after their departure, an unusual explosion echoed across the area.
Radio communications suddenly went silent.
At first light, search patrols discovered that the Humvee had been destroyed by a powerful barrel bomb planted by terrorists.
Major Amr Khaled was found smiling, with his index finger raised as he recited the Islamic declaration of faith.
Lieutenant Colonel Ayman Katat had succumbed to his wounds caused by the explosion.
He left behind young children and comrades who still speak of him with deep affection.
“Ayman was made of different material,” one of them said. “We grieved for losing him, but we were also happy for him, because martyrdom is an honour granted only to those who deserve it. And Ayman truly deserved it.”
