Egypt’s Armed Forces have released a new episode of the documentary series “Hekayat Batal” (A Hero’s Story), chronicling the life and sacrifice of Colonel Staff Hazem Ibrahim Hamed, a decorated officer remembered by comrades for his calm leadership, tactical brilliance and unwavering commitment to his men.
The episode, titled El Zelzal “The Earthquake”, was published on the official platforms of military spokesperson Brigadier General Staff Gharib Abdel Hafez as part of an ongoing series documenting the stories of servicemen killed during Egypt’s counter-terrorism operations in North Sinai.
Through emotional testimonies from fellow officers and soldiers, the documentary paints a portrait of a commander whose influence extended far beyond the battlefield.
Those who served with Hazem Hamed describe him as a quiet but decisive leader, capable of making critical tactical decisions under extreme pressure. At the same time, he maintained a close relationship with his troops, personally following their welfare, helping resolve family problems and ensuring they received leave to attend important occasions.
“He cared about details others might consider small,” one comrade recalls. “To him, they mattered because they affected his soldiers.”
Colleagues describe him as a man driven by a deep sense of duty and a belief in sacrifice. According to testimonies featured in the film, he consistently chose to lead operations from the front rather than direct them from a safer position.
That leadership was put to the test on 7 September 2016 during a major operation in the Al-Muqataa area of North Sinai.
The documentary recounts how Hazem Hamed played a decisive role in identifying booby traps and concealed explosives used by terrorist elements. During the operation, he ordered a tank to fire on a heavily rigged house after discovering that it contained more than 100 kilograms of explosives.
The decision destroyed the structure and is to have saved the lives of dozens of soldiers who were preparing to search it on foot.
Soon afterwards, the force came under heavy sniper fire.
During the engagement, Hazem Hamed was struck by a bullet and seriously wounded.
Comrades recall his final moments during medical evacuation as among the most powerful memories of the day. According to witnesses, he continued raising his index finger towards the sky and quietly reciting the Islamic declaration of faith until his final breath.
His martyrdom deeply affected soldiers across the sector.
Yet, as the documentary notes, the operation did not stop.
Driven by determination to complete the mission, troops continued advancing and later discovered three large caches containing TNT explosives and sophisticated explosive devices.
For those who served beside him, Hazem Hamed’s story is not only about courage in combat. It is also about leadership, responsibility and the bond between a commander and the men he led.
“The mission continued,” one soldier says in the film. “That is what we wear the uniform for. We will continue the path.”
Today, “The Earthquake” stands as a tribute to a commander whose presence left a lasting mark on those around him — both in life and on the battlefield where he made his final stand.
