Four injured as Afghan Taliban drones intercepted over Pakistan, says ISPR

ISLAMABAD: At least four people, including two children, were injured after rudimentary drones launched by the Afghan Taliban were intercepted over Pakistani territory, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Saturday.

According to the military’s media wing, the drones were brought down through a combination of “soft and hard kills” before they could reach their intended targets.

The ISPR said two children were injured in Quetta, while a civilian was injured in Kohat and another in Rawalpindi due to debris from the intercepted drones.

“These attacks were aimed at inducing fear among the public and reflect the terrorist mindset that drives the Afghan Taliban,” the statement said.

The military further alleged that while the Afghan Taliban attempt to portray themselves as victims to gain international sympathy, they simultaneously target civilians through militant proxies and drone attacks.

“Pakistan’s people and its armed forces are absolutely clear about the true nature and intentions of the terrorist militia-for-hire that rules Afghanistan,” the statement added.

The military also reaffirmed that Operation Ghazab Lil Haq would continue until Afghanistan addresses Pakistan’s concerns regarding terrorist groups operating from its territory.

“Pakistan’s armed forces stand steadfast in the fight against terrorism and its manifestations, including drone attacks by the Afghan Taliban,” the statement said, adding that the military would continue to defend the country against such provocations.

Earlier, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (Pakistan) said two rudimentary drones linked to militants from “Fitna al-Khawarij” were intercepted by Pakistani security forces using electronic countermeasures.

The term “Fitna al-Khawarij” is used by Pakistani authorities to refer to militants belonging to the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan.

Officials said no military installations were hit and only minor damage occurred due to debris from the downed drones. The ministry also rejected claims by Afghan officials that a Pakistani military installation had been targeted.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Airports Authority initially reported that flight operations at Islamabad International Airport experienced a brief operational adjustment following the incident. However, the authority later clarified that reports suggesting the closure of Islamabad’s airspace were “baseless”.

The drone incidents occurred shortly after Pakistan’s armed forces conducted overnight air strikes against militant positions in Kabul, Kandahar and Paktia.

In a post on X, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said Pakistani forces had targeted around 70 installations linked to militant groups, including logistics bases and camps that supported terrorist activities.

Separately, President Asif Ali Zardari strongly condemned the drone attacks, saying they were aimed at civilian areas.

“The illegitimate regime of Afghanistan, installed through terror and brute force, continues to renege on its commitments not to provide safe havens to terrorist groups,” the president said in a statement issued by the presidency.

He warned that the Afghan Taliban had “crossed a red line” by attempting to target civilians despite Pakistan’s efforts to promote peace and stability in the region.

President Zardari also wished a speedy recovery to those injured in the incidents and reaffirmed that Pakistan’s armed forces and security institutions remained fully committed to defending the country and protecting its people.