By Sarah Saad
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 Colonel Staff Rami Mohamed Hassanein, commander of the elite 103rd Thunderbolt Battalion, who was martyred during counter-terrorism operations in North Sinai in October 2016.
The episode, titled El Ostora “The Legend”, was published on the official platforms of military spokesperson Brigadier General Staff Gharib Abdel Hafez as part of an ongoing effort to preserve the stories of Egyptian servicemen who lost their lives in the fight against terrorism.
Through testimonies from officers and soldiers who served alongside him, the documentary portrays a commander remembered not only for his military leadership, but also for the deep loyalty he inspired among his men.
According to fellow servicemen, Rami Hassanein was regarded as one of the most effective field commanders operating in North Sinai at the time. His tactical planning, operational experience and aggressive pursuit of terrorist networks made him a primary target for extremist groups.
“He was always at the front,” one soldier recalled. “That was his way of leading.”
The film revisits the events of 29 October 2016, when Egyptian forces were preparing to establish a new security line near Al-Goura in Sheikh Zuweid as part of efforts to tighten control over the area and restrict terrorist movement.
Witnesses say the commander personally participated in planning the operation and reviewing its details with his troops before deployment.
Several comrades also recalled what appeared to be an unusual moment shortly before the mission began.
After soldiers had boarded their vehicles, Rami reportedly stood for several minutes looking quietly at the battalion headquarters and facilities he had helped build.
Many later viewed the moment as a silent farewell.
As was customary, he insisted on leading the convoy from the front.
His personal motto, soldiers said, was simple:
“I will always sacrifice myself for you.”
Moments after entering the operational area, an improvised explosive device detonated beneath his vehicle.
He was martyred in the blast.
The documentary notes that news of his death spread quickly among Thunderbolt, infantry and armoured units operating in the area.
What followed was not a withdrawal, but a determined continuation of the mission.
Driven by grief and a desire to honour their commander, troops pressed forward and completed the raid, eliminating the terrorist cell targeted in the operation and seizing weapons found at the site.
Beyond the battlefield, however, the film focuses heavily on the human side of the fallen officer.
Servicemen describe him as a father figure inside the battalion, someone who closely followed the personal and family circumstances of his soldiers and officers.
One story recalled in the documentary involves a newly married officer whom Rami ordered to remain on leave rather than join the mission.
“You’re a newlywed,” he reportedly told him. “Stay with your family. By the time you return, the operation will be over.”
Colleagues also revealed that many of his charitable acts remained unknown until after his death, when those he had quietly supported came forward with their stories.
For those who served under him, the title “The Legend” reflects more than battlefield achievements.
It represents a commander who chose to lead from the front, placed the welfare of his men above his own, and left behind a legacy that continues to shape the generation of soldiers who followed him.
