On Wednesday, Pakistan successfully intercepted and shot down eight drones that had crossed into its airspace from Afghanistan. The country’s air defence system, operated by the Pakistan Air Force along the Pak-Afghan border, detected the drones in time and prevented the intrusion. Four drones were downed near the Torkham border, while the other four were intercepted in the mountainous region close to Kohat. The wreckage of the drones is currently being recovered and secured.
This incident was described as a direct indication of the Afghan Taliban regime’s support for terrorist activities, with officials labeling the drone incursion a “cowardly attempt” that was effectively thwarted by the armed forces.
Meanwhile, security forces also repelled an infiltration attempt by Fitna al-Khawarij militants in the Kurram sector during the previous night. The militants’ incursion, reportedly supervised by the Afghan Taliban from posts in Nangarhar and Paktia provinces, was successfully pushed back by Pakistani troops stationed along the border. Following the failed infiltration, the Afghan Taliban launched unprovoked heavy weapons and mortar fire on Pakistani border posts. Pakistani forces responded by targeting multiple Taliban positions, including mortar sites and defensive locations, using a combination of small arms, heavy weapons, and artillery.
This escalation follows a recent intelligence-driven ground operation and airstrikes conducted by Pakistan in parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including border areas with Afghanistan. These operations were launched in response to a series of terrorist attacks, notably the deadly assaults in Kohat that resulted in at least 22 fatalities, including police officers.
The Ministry of Information confirmed that the ground operation, carried out on September 20 in Kohat and Hangu districts, targeted militant hideouts and safe havens. The offensive resulted in the deaths of nine militants and injuries to several others. Additionally, precision strikes were conducted against camps linked to Fitna al-Khawarij and its affiliates along the Afghan border, destroying three targets, including a suicide bomber training facility. These actions led to the elimination of 28 militants, including multiple suicide bombers.
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