Two rudimentary TTP drones intercepted, shot down near Rawalpindi: Security sources

• Two rudimentary drones intercepted using electronic countermeasures, airspace reopened

• Information Ministry says drones linked to Afghan Taliban-backed Fitna al-Khawarij

• No military or civilian infrastructure damaged; Taliban claims dismissed as fake news

  ISLAMABAD: Pakistani security forces successfully intercepted and neutralised two rudimentary drones near Rawalpindi on Friday using electronic countermeasures, security sources confirmed.

No casualties were reported, and the airspace, which was temporarily closed as a precaution, has now been reopened, the security sources said.

The Ministry of Information posted on X that the drones belonged to terrorist group Fitna al-Khawarij, allegedly nurtured by the Afghan Taliban regime.

🔎 Fact Check | Ministry of Information & Broadcasting

✅ Reality
◼️Two rudimentary drones of terrorist FAK,nurtured by Afghan Taliban regime, were successfully intercepted by the Pakistan security forces using electronic counter measures. No military or other infrastructure was… pic.twitter.com/aGfJEAq0XL

— Fact Checker MoIB (@FactCheckerMoIB) March 13, 2026

The statement said that “no military or civilian infrastructure was damaged, aside from minor debris from the forced crashing of the drones,” dismissing claims by the Afghan Defence Ministry suggesting the Faizabad military centre had been hit, resulting in casualties and material loss.

“The Taliban regime’s claim includes no verifiable evidence and exposes its established role as a proxy supporter of terrorism, harbouring groups such as Fitna al-Khawarij (linked to the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan) and Fitna al-Hindustan (terrorist organisations in Balochistan),” the ministry said. It added that the Taliban’s official accounts regularly proliferate fake news and propaganda, citing previous false claims about Pakistan Air Force aircraft being shot down.

Islamabad Airport Brief Operational Adjustment

Earlier, the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) reported a “brief operational adjustment” at Islamabad International Airport, which led to temporary media speculation about airspace closure. The PAA later clarified that such reports were baseless, affirming that all flights were operating normally and on schedule.

Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) clarifies that reports circulating about the closure of Islamabad’s airspace are baseless. Flight operations at Islamabad International Airport are continuing without interruption and all flights are operating according to schedule.

— Pakistan Airports Authority (@Pk_PAA_Official) March 13, 2026

The public was advised to rely only on official sources for accurate information.

Two Injured in Kohat Drone Incident

In a separate incident in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Kohat, suspected drone activity led to minor injuries when debris from a downed drone fell near civilians. The provincial police used an anti-drone jamming system, which forced the drone’s motor to shut down and crash safely. Both injured individuals received immediate medical attention.

Shafi Jan, Special Assistant to the KP Chief Minister on Information, condemned the suspected drone flights, saying the incident highlighted the effective use of modern technology by law enforcement. He emphasized that any attempt to destabilise peace in Kohat or elsewhere would be thwarted.

The provincial government has approved a Rs31 billion package to strengthen police operational capacity, including modern weapons, anti-drone systems, and advanced technologies, with over Rs7 billion already spent. Jan reaffirmed the government’s commitment to maintaining security and public safety.

He also condemned the recent bombing near a police vehicle in Lakki Marwat, stating that Chief Minister Sohail Afridi had requested a report from the Inspector General of Police. “We share the grief of the families of the martyrs and they will not be left alone,” he said.