Pakistan’s air defence system shot down eight drones after they entered Pakistani airspace from Afghanistan on Wednesday, September 23, according to security sources. The reported incident has added to growing tensions along the western border following Pakistani strikes against positions and militant targets in the Afghanistan border region.
Four of the drones were reportedly brought down in areas near the Torkham border, while four others were intercepted in mountainous areas close to Kohat in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Security sources said Pakistan’s air defence systems detected and intercepted all eight drones before they could reach their reported targets.
According to Pakistani security sources, the drones were part of an attempt to target public areas. The sources also alleged that the incident showed continued support for militant groups by the Afghan Taliban authorities. These claims have been made by Pakistani officials and security sources, while the latest reports did not include an independent confirmation from Afghan authorities.
The reported drone incursions came after a fresh confrontation along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. Pakistani security sources said an infiltration attempt from Afghanistan into the Kurram sector had been foiled. They further claimed that Afghan Taliban forces subsequently opened fire on Pakistani border posts using heavy weapons and mortars. Pakistani forces responded by targeting several positions, according to the sources.
The latest developments also follow Pakistani airstrikes carried out on September 21 against what Islamabad described as militant hideouts and training facilities in Afghanistan. Pakistan said the strikes killed 28 militants and targeted three locations. Afghan authorities disputed aspects of the Pakistani account, while the United Nations confirmed that three civilians were killed in the strikes.
The escalation followed a deadly attack in Kohat that killed more than 20 people and injured many others. Pakistani authorities have blamed militant groups operating from or linked to Afghanistan, while Afghan authorities have rejected accusations that their territory is being used to carry out attacks against Pakistan.
The latest drone incident is not the first such development reported this year. Pakistani authorities have previously reported intercepting rudimentary drones launched from Afghanistan, including incidents in Balochistan in June and July.
Relations between Islamabad and Kabul have remained tense over accusations involving militant activity, cross-border attacks and security operations. Pakistan has repeatedly called for action against militant groups it says are operating from Afghan territory, while the Afghan Taliban administration has rejected Pakistani accusations and opposed cross-border military action.
The reported downing of eight drones now adds another security flashpoint to the already tense relationship. Pakistani forces remain on heightened alert along the western border as both sides face renewed pressure to prevent further escalation.
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