Pakistan Says It Struck 10 Afghan Sites After Drone Attack
Pakistan says it carried out strikes on 10 sites in Afghanistan after intercepting eight drones allegedly launched from across the border.
Pakistan said it carried out precision aerial and drone strikes on 10 locations in Afghanistan after intercepting eight drones that allegedly entered its airspace from Afghan territory on September 23. Pakistan’s Information Minister Atauallah Tarar said the strikes targeted sites linked to the attempted drone attacks.
Tarar described the operation as “deliberate, precise, calibrated and proportionate” and said it was carried out under Pakistan’s stated right to self-defence. He claimed the targeted locations were being used to launch or store drones and said Pakistan’s air defence systems had detected and neutralised all eight drones before they reached their intended targets.
Pakistan also accused the Afghan Taliban of failing to take action against militant networks operating from Afghan territory. Islamabad said it had repeatedly raised concerns over alleged terrorist sanctuaries and called for concrete and verifiable action to prevent attacks from being launched across the border.
The Afghan Taliban’s position on the specific claims was not detailed in the supplied report.
The strikes come amid worsening relations between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban, with Islamabad alleging that Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan militants operate from Afghan territory. Pakistan said the latest operation was a direct response to the attempted drone attacks and warned that further hostile actions would receive a firm response.
At the same time, Tarar said Pakistan did not seek escalation and remained committed to dialogue and regional peace, while maintaining that it would take measures it considers necessary to protect its territory and citizens.
