SSG Zarrar ATU: The Heroes of APS Peshawar

On December 16, 2014, at 10:30 AM, Army Public School, Peshawar, became the site of one of the darkest days in Pakistan’s history. A terrorist attack unfolded, targeting innocent students and staff. The swift response by SSG Zarrar Commandos saved countless lives, demonstrating unparalleled bravery and professionalism.

Explore more stories of valor in our Pakistan News section.

A Mission Like No Other

Immediate Deployment

The Zarrar Company, stationed at Ghazi Base, was participating in a marksman competition when the distress call came. In a no-notice deployment, they were ready within 20 minutes, departing via five Mi-17 helicopters to Peshawar.

Before their arrival, police and a Quick Reaction Force (QRF) were already on-site, attempting to contain the situation.

Tactical Challenges

Upon arrival, the commandos encountered a chaotic scene with no centralized command. Decisions had to be made in real-time based on evolving scenarios. Their mission: neutralize the terrorists (referred to as “ts”), rescue hostages, and prevent further casualties.

Learn more about Pakistan’s counter-terrorism efforts in our Opinions section.

Inside the Operation

The Fight Begins

•The first terrorist was encountered in the courtyard and was swiftly eliminated. Although his suicide vest detonated, the explosion martyred one commando.

•The main fight occurred at the admin block, where the terrorists had regrouped after initially attacking the auditorium.

Rescue Tactics

•Commandos broke through an exhaust fan to reach a classroom, rescuing dozens of students silently to avoid alerting terrorists nearby.

•Intelligence agencies and snipers provided critical support, pinpointing the terrorists’ locations and communication with their handlers.

Neutralizing Threats

•Each terrorist was systematically located and eliminated, including those equipped with suicide vests. The commandos also cleared planted IEDs, ensuring the safety of the remaining hostages.

The Human Cost

Despite the heroic efforts, 144 lives were lost, including 132 children, making it one of the most devastating attacks in Pakistan’s history. Most of the casualties occurred in the auditorium, where the terrorists launched their initial assault before moving to the admin block.

However, nearly 1,100 students and staff were rescued due to the swift and precise actions of the SSG Zarrar commandos.

Read more about Pakistan’s resilience in the face of terrorism in our Balochistan News section.

Honoring the Heroes

The APS Peshawar attack remains a painful memory, but the courage displayed by the SSG Zarrar commandos is a testament to Pakistan’s resolve against terrorism. Their actions not only saved hundreds of lives but also highlighted the sacrifices made in the line of duty.

For more stories of bravery, visit our Ground Zero homepage.