Pakistan Downs Two Militant Drones, Says Information Ministry

ISLAMABAD (Web Desk) — Pakistan’s security forces shot down two rudimentary drones operated by Fitna al-Khawarij, the Ministry of Information said on Friday.

According to the ministry, the drones were intercepted and neutralised using electronic countermeasures. No military or civilian infrastructure was hit, while only minor damage occurred from falling debris.

In a statement posted on X, the ministry rejected claims made by the Afghan Taliban, saying their allegations lacked verifiable evidence. It further accused the Taliban regime of acting as a proxy supporter of terrorism and harbouring multiple militant groups, including what it described as Indian-backed elements such as Fitna al-Khawarij and Fitna al-Hindustan.

The ministry also alleged that official Taliban accounts frequently spread misinformation and propaganda. It cited recent claims by the Afghan side about shooting down Pakistan Air Force aircraft and capturing pilots — assertions that were later deleted.

Operation Ghazab lil-Haq

Since the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan in 2021, Pakistan has witnessed a surge in cross-border militant activity, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, which share a border with Afghanistan.

In response to rising attacks, Pakistan launched Operation Ghazab lil-Haq. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said more than 650 Afghan Taliban fighters have been killed, while over 800 others were injured during Pakistani strikes along the border and inside Afghanistan. He added that 249 militant check posts were destroyed during the operation.

Prior to the launch of the operation, Pakistan also targeted seven militant camps and hideouts linked to Fitna al-Khawarij, its affiliates and Daesh-Khorasan along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border following recent suicide attacks.

Security sources said the airstrikes were carried out in Nangarhar, Paktika and Khost provinces, killing more than 80 militants.

Tensions between the two countries have remained high. In October 2025, border clashes erupted after Afghan Taliban fighters and allied militants launched attacks on Pakistani border posts.

The clashes resulted in the deaths of over 200 Taliban and allied militants, while 23 Pakistani soldiers were martyred while defending the country.

Despite several rounds of diplomatic talks, the two sides have yet to reach an agreement, with Pakistan accusing the Afghan Taliban regime of failing to take effective action against terrorist groups operating from Afghan territory.