Afghanistan Fires Drones Across Border Into Pakistan Territory

Pakistani Military Shoots Down Four Drones Launched by Afghan Taliban

Islamabad, Pakistan - The Pakistani military confirmed on Wednesday that it had shot down four drones launched by the Afghan Taliban into Balochistan. The incident occurred hours after Afghanistan’s defense ministry claimed its air force had struck what it called ISIL (ISIS) “centres” in Pishin district and parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

According to the Pakistani Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the drones were detected immediately after crossing the border and neutralized through sophisticated countermeasures. The launch was described as part of the Afghan Taliban’s patronization and support of terrorist outfits.

Afghanistan’s defense ministry stated that its strikes targeted a center in Pishin district, allegedly used to plan subversive activities and attacks in Afghanistan. No civilians were reportedly harmed.

The incident marks the latest escalation in an ongoing cycle of military strikes between Afghan and Pakistani territory since October 2025. The situation has been marked by a series of attacks and retaliatory strikes, with both sides claiming responsibility for various incidents.

According to recent data, Pakistan experienced a significant increase in terrorist attacks in 2025, with at least 699 recorded incidents across the country, resulting in over 1,034 fatalities. Meanwhile, drone launches into Pakistani territory have been documented by international projects, including the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data (ACLED) project.

Pakistani officials have stated that they plan to pursue a strategy of controlled escalation, responding forcefully to armed attacks from non-state groups while being more selective about how to retaliate against Afghan Taliban government strikes. The situation remains tense, with both sides continuing to exchange claims and accusations.

Source: Al Jazeera