Two ‘rudimentary drones’ shot down near Kohat, says security sources

KOHAT: Pakistan’s armed forces shot down two “rudimentary drones” near Kohat in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Wednesday, according to security sources, as heightened vigilance continues along the country’s western frontier.

The drones were reportedly detected and neutralised about seven kilometres from Kohat city. Security sources said the unmanned aircraft had been fired by the Afghan Taliban authorities.

“On September 23, security forces shot down by soft kill two rudimentary drones fired by [the] Afghan Taliban regime seven kilometres from Kohat city,” the sources said.

The incident highlights the continued security concerns facing areas close to Pakistan’s border with Afghanistan, where Islamabad has repeatedly raised concerns about threats originating from across the frontier.

According to the sources, Pakistan’s air-defence systems remain on heightened alert and are operating around the clock to detect and respond to potential threats.

They described the vigilance of the armed forces and the performance of air-defence personnel as active against what they referred to as threats from “Kharjistan”, a term used by some Pakistani officials and commentators when referring to militant threats emanating from Afghanistan.

No casualties or damage were reported in connection with the drone incident.

The reported interception comes amid continuing tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Islamabad has previously accused militant groups operating from Afghan territory of carrying out attacks inside Pakistan, while Afghan authorities have denied allowing their territory to be used against neighbouring countries.

The latest incident is likely to add to security concerns along Pakistan’s western border, particularly as authorities continue monitoring aerial and ground-based threats.

Security officials said Pakistan’s air-defence network remains alert to protect populated areas and strategic locations from potential attacks.

Further details about the origin, type and intended target of the two drones were not immediately available.