Ibex Force
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| Ibex Force | |
|---|---|
| Active | 1948 |
| Country |  Pakistan |
| Allegiance |  Pakistan Army |
| Branch | Gilgit Scouts |
| Type | Paramilitary |
| Role | Mountain Warfare |
| Size | 600+ fighters |
| Garrison/HQ | Gilgit |
| Engagements | |
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders | Ehsan Ali Babar Khan |
The Ibex Force was a specialized military unit that played a crucial role in the defense and strategic operations of Gilgit-Baltistan during the First Kashmir War (1947–1948). Formed as an auxiliary force within the Gilgit Scouts in 1948, the Ibex Force was instrumental in securing key territories and engaging in tactical missions against J&K and Indian forces in the region. The unit was disbanded in 1948 after the successful military operations.
The Ibex Force was established on 1 February 1948 in Harmosh, 25 miles east of Gilgit, as part of the broader Gilgit Scouts, a paramilitary force responsible for maintaining security in the rugged and mountainous terrain of Gilgit-Baltistan.[1] The formation of the unit was prompted by the rebellion against Dogra rule and the subsequent need for a well-trained, locally recruited force to defend the newly liberated region.[2]
Lieutenant Babar Khan, along with Major Ehsan Ali and Captain Muhammad Khan, organized the Ibex Force. This force comprised approximately 600 personnel, including elements of the Gilgit Scouts, Chitral Scouts, deserters from the 6 Jammu and Kashmir Infantry, and local militia.[3] The Ibex Force was instrumental in various military engagements in the region during the conflict. On the night of October 31, 1947, Major William Brown and Subedar Major Babar Khan led the Gilgit Scouts on a rebellion that led to the surrender of Brigadier Ghansara Singh, the Dogra State Governor, and the accession of the Gilgit Agency to the Dominion of Pakistan.[4]