Egypt’s Armed Forces have released a new episode of the documentary series “Hekayat Batal” (A Hero’s Story), recounting the life and sacrifice of Private Hisham Mohamed Hazein, a soldier remembered by comrades for his exceptional skill, selflessness and unwavering dedication during Egypt’s counter-terrorism operations in North Sinai.
The episode, published on the official platforms of military spokesperson Brigadier General Staff Gharib Abdel Hafez, forms part of an ongoing effort to document the stories of servicemen who lost their lives defending the country.
Through testimonies from commanders and fellow soldiers, the documentary portrays Hisham Hazein as a young man whose abilities quickly distinguished him from others from the moment he joined military service.
Although originally assigned as a tracked armoured vehicle driver, he soon demonstrated remarkable talent in marksmanship, advanced maintenance and tactical awareness.
According to his battalion commander, Hisham possessed a sharp mind and an exceptional ability to navigate difficult terrain while avoiding hidden dangers and booby traps.
Those qualities earned him a place in Category A, the battalion’s elite assault group responsible for conducting direct raids against terrorist elements.
His commander recalled that Hisham approached every mission with the utmost seriousness.
“We were not going on outings,” he recalled. “We were heading into deadly operations, and he understood that better than anyone.”
Colleagues remember him not only for his professionalism, but also for his character.
They describe him as a generous and good-hearted man who was loved by everyone around him. He frequently volunteered for the most difficult duties, particularly those before and after dawn, to spare exhausted comrades from additional burdens.
The documentary highlights his role during operations in the Al-Tuffaha area, where he drove his tank behind military engineering units as they cleared roads of explosives and tightened the siege around terrorist strongholds.
By early 2021, as preparations intensified for what soldiers described as the decisive operation that marked the beginning of the collapse of terrorist groups in the area, Hisham was entrusted with another responsibility.
Because of his experience, he was tasked with training newly assigned drivers and preparing them for combat.
On 1 January 2021, troops launched an operation targeting a terrorist gathering near the Ghazi Mosque area.
As one group moved to secure elevated ground overlooking the future Al-Tuffaha 9 outpost, terrorist elements attempted to flee through nearby farms, triggering a fierce exchange of fire.
During the battle, Hisham Hazein was struck by enemy fire and fatally wounded while confronting the attackers.
His comrades say the response came almost immediately.
“Our grief was immense,” his commander recalled. “But we were also proud that we avenged him straight away. Not a day later, not two days later. We avenged every soldier and non-commissioned officer who had fallen in North Sinai.”
The documentary ends with one of its most emotional moments.
After Hisham’s death, his battalion commander telephoned the soldier’s father to offer condolences.
The father’s first question reflected a belief deeply rooted among Egyptian military families.
“I belong to God and to Him we shall return,” he said. “Nothing else matters to me. Tell me, Sir, was my son martyred while advancing or retreating?”
The commander answered without hesitation.
“Your son died advancing and fighting,” he told him. “Just as he always had… he was always the first.”
