ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s air defence system shot down eight drones after they entered the country’s airspace from Afghanistan, security sources said on Wednesday.
According to the sources, the drones were detected by the armed forces’ air defence system and intercepted before they could penetrate further into Pakistani territory.
The air defence system deployed along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border and operated by the Pakistan Air Force remains operational around the clock, the sources said.
Four drones were brought down near the Torkham border area, while four others were intercepted in mountainous areas near Kohat.
The wreckage of the downed drones is being recovered and taken into custody, according to the sources.
Security situation along Afghan border
Security sources described the drone intrusion as evidence of what they alleged was direct support and patronage of militant groups by the Afghan Taliban regime.
The development came amid heightened tensions along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.
Separately, security sources said Pakistani forces had foiled an attempted infiltration by Fitna al-Khawarij militants from Afghanistan into the Kurram sector the previous night.
According to the sources, the infiltration attempt was allegedly carried out under the supervision of Afghan Taliban personnel from positions in Afghanistan’s Nangarhar and Paktia provinces.
Pakistani troops deployed along the border repulsed the attempted infiltration, the sources said.
Pakistan calls for verifiable action against terrorism from Afghan soil
Following the failed infiltration attempt, Afghan Taliban forces allegedly opened fire on Pakistani border posts using heavy weapons, mortars and other arms.
Pakistani security forces responded by targeting multiple Afghan Taliban border posts, mortar positions and defensive locations using small and heavy weapons, including artillery, according to the sources.
In the aftermath of recent multiple terrorist incidents inside Pakistan against the innocent people of Khyber Pakthunkhwa, a well planned intelligence based ground operation was carried out by security forces around Kohat, Hangu and Thal, followed by calibrated Air Strikes…
— Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (@MoIB_Official) September 21, 2026
Pakistan steps up operations against militants
The latest development comes two days after Pakistan carried out an intelligence-based ground operation and airstrikes against militant hideouts in parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including areas near the Afghan border.
The Ministry of Information said on Monday that the action followed several recent terrorist attacks, including deadly incidents in Kohat that killed at least 22 people, including police personnel.
According to the ministry, security forces conducted an intelligence-based ground operation around Kohat, Hangu and Thall, followed by targeted airstrikes against hideouts and safe havens of militant organisations blamed for the attacks.
The ground operation conducted on September 20 in Kohat and Hangu resulted in the deaths of nine militants and injuries to several others, the ministry said.
It added that, based on intelligence, security forces also carried out selective strikes against militant camps and hideouts belonging to Fitna al-Khawarij and its affiliates in the border region with Afghanistan.
The ministry said three targets were destroyed, including a suicide bomber training centre, resulting in the deaths of 28 militants along with several suicide bombers.
