ISLAMABAD: Four civilians, including two children, were injured after debris from crude drones shot down by Pakistan’s military fell in different areas, according to a statement released by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
The military’s media wing said that a few rudimentary drones were launched by elements of the Afghan Taliban on March 13, 2026, apparently to intimidate the people of Pakistan. The drones were neutralized before reaching their intended targets through a combination of electronic countermeasures and direct interception.
However, fragments from the destroyed drones fell on the ground, injuring civilians in several locations. Two children were hurt in Quetta, while one person each sustained injuries in Kohat and Rawalpindi.
In its statement, the Inter-Services Public Relations said the attacks appeared to be an attempt to create fear among the public and reflected what it described as the militant mindset of the Afghan Taliban. It added that while the group seeks international sympathy by portraying itself as a victim, it simultaneously targets civilians through militant proxies and drone activity.
The military emphasized that Pakistan and its armed forces remain fully aware of the intentions of the group currently governing Afghanistan and will continue their counter-terrorism campaign.
According to the ISPR, Pakistan’s ongoing military campaign, Operation Ghazab‑ul‑Haq, will continue until concerns about terrorism originating from Afghan territory are effectively addressed.
Earlier on Friday, security sources reported that several basic drones were detected and intercepted near Rawalpindi. The drones were brought down using electronic countermeasures, and no major damage or casualties were initially reported. Airspace in the area, which had been temporarily closed as a precaution, was later reopened.
Separately, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting stated on X that two drones linked to militants described as Tehreek‑i‑Taliban Pakistan — referred to by the state as “Fitna al-Khawarij” — were successfully intercepted by Pakistani security forces.
The ministry said the drones did not strike any military installations and only caused minor damage due to falling debris. It rejected claims circulated on social media by Afghanistan’s defence ministry alleging that a Pakistani military facility in Faizabad had been targeted and suffered casualties.
Officials said such claims lacked verifiable evidence and accused the Afghan authorities of spreading misinformation and propaganda, including previously deleted posts that had falsely claimed the downing of aircraft from the Pakistan Air Force and the capture of its pilots.
