Pakistan’s military said it intercepted several drones launched by the Afghan Taliban on March 13, preventing them from reaching their targets, though falling debris injured civilians in multiple cities.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the drone attempts were aimed at spreading fear among the Pakistani public and reflected what it described as the “terrorist mindset” of the Afghan Taliban.
In a statement, the ISPR said that a few rudimentary drones were launched by the Afghan Taliban to harass the people of Pakistan. Pakistan’s defense systems intercepted the drones using both soft and hard kill methods, ensuring that they did not reach their intended targets.
However, the military said that debris from the intercepted drones caused injuries to civilians in different cities.
Civilians injured in debris incidents
According to the ISPR, two children were injured in Quetta, while one civilian each was injured in Kohat and Rawalpindi due to falling drone debris.
Authorities did not report any fatalities, but officials said the incidents highlighted the dangers posed by such attacks on populated areas. The military said the drone launches appeared intended to create fear among the public.
Afghan Taliban accused of targeting civilians
The ISPR accused the Afghan Taliban of attempting to project victimhood internationally while allegedly targeting civilians through proxies and drone attacks.
The statement said Pakistan’s people and its armed forces are fully aware of what it called the “true nature and intentions” of the group ruling Afghanistan.
Pakistan’s military also described the Afghan Taliban regime as a “terrorist militia-for-hire” in the statement.
Operation Ghazab Lil Haq to continue
The ISPR said Pakistan’s ongoing Operation Ghazab Lil Haq would continue until the Afghan Taliban address Pakistan’s core concerns regarding terrorism originating from Afghan soil.
The military reiterated that Pakistan’s armed forces remain steadfast in the fight against terrorism and its manifestations, including drone attacks.
It added that the country’s forces will continue defending Pakistan’s citizens and will not flinch in the face of such provocations.
President Zardari strongly condemns attacks
President Asif Ali Zardari also strongly condemned the Afghan Taliban’s drone attacks on Pakistani urban areas. He expressed serious concern over the use of rudimentary drones by Afghan Taliban elements, saying the attacks targeted civilians.
The president stated that the Taliban regime, established on the basis of terror and force, continues to renege on its promises.
Zardari said the Afghan regime had crossed a red line by attempting to target Pakistani citizens. He emphasized that Pakistan’s armed forces remain fully committed to defending the country and ensuring the security of the homeland.
The president also prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured citizens.
Despite the escalation, he reiterated that Pakistan continues its efforts to promote peace and stability in the Gulf region and across West Asia. He stressed that the country remains committed to regional stability while ensuring the protection of its citizens and territory.
Also Read: Security forces shoot down two drones in Islamabad, Rawalpindi
Earlier, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting had said the security forces shot down two drones in Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
It also rejected claims of damage from an alleged drone attack by the Afghan Taliban, adding that no military or other key installation suffered damage as a result of the drones. According to the ministry, minor damage occurred from debris after the drones fell.
The ministry said there was no verifiable evidence to support the claims made by the Taliban authorities. It added that the claim again reflected that the Taliban government was backing terrorist organisations, including Indian-backed groups Fitna al-Hindustan and Fitna al-Khawarij.
The ministry also stated that official Taliban social media accounts had been involved in spreading false news and propaganda.
In recent days, claims were also circulated that a Pakistan Air Force aircraft had been shot down and its pilot arrested, it added.
“Truth ultimately prevails over falsehood,” the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting said.
