Afghanistan Says It Used Drones to Strike Targets in Pakistan

Post by : Saif Nasser

The government in Afghanistan has said that it used drones to successfully hit military targets inside neighbouring Pakistan, marking a serious escalation in relations between the two countries. The announcement came as clashes along the long border intensified, with both sides making conflicting claims about recent violence.

Afghanistan’s defence ministry said its forces “successfully conducted” air strikes using drones on military locations in Pakistan. The Afghan government said these actions were in response to what it described as ongoing attacks and incursions by Pakistani forces near the border. Officials in Kabul said the drone strikes targeted military positions but did not give specific details on casualties.

In response, Pakistani officials said the situation was very different. Pakistan’s information minister said that drones believed to be linked to militants were detected over several areas in the country, including Abbottabad, Swabi and Nowshera. Pakistani anti-drone defence systems were activated, and the drones were brought down before they could cause harm, the minister said. Officials added that there was no damage to life or property during the incidents.

This exchange of drone activity comes amid a sharp rise in conflict along the border between Kabul and Islamabad. In recent days, heavy fighting has taken place, including air and ground strikes by both sides. Pakistan’s armed forces have launched operations against what they say are militant positions inside Afghanistan. Kabul, however, has repeatedly denied that it harbours groups responsible for attacks on Pakistani soil.

The border between Afghanistan and Pakistan stretches more than 2,600 kilometres and has long been a source of tension. Issues such as militant groups, smuggling and disputed territory have caused conflict for decades. In recent months, those tensions have turned into more frequent and open clashes, leading to significant losses on both sides.

Adding to the complexity, Pakistan has said it is conducting a major military operation named “Operation Ghazab Lil Haq” against insurgent groups and Taliban forces it accuses of attacking its posts across the border. Islamabad says this campaign is meant to protect its borders and citizens from ongoing threats. Kabul calls the strikes violations of its sovereignty.

The use of drones marks a notable development in the conflict. Drones have become increasingly common in modern warfare because they allow forces to strike from a distance without risking pilots. But they also raise the stakes, especially when used by one country against another. Many experts warn that drone strikes can escalate violence quickly and make peaceful solutions harder to find.

Neighbouring countries and international organisations have expressed concern over the growing conflict. The United Nations and other regional powers have urged both sides to step back from confrontation and find diplomatic solutions. They say further escalation could lead to widespread instability in South Asia.

For ordinary people living near the border, the fighting has caused fear and disruption. Many families have been forced to leave their homes to seek safety as violence increases. Trade, travel and everyday life have all been affected by the ongoing hostilities.

The drone strikes and the broader conflict show how fragile peace remains between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Both governments face pressure from domestic audiences to defend their territory and respond forcefully to perceived threats. But the exchange of military actions also highlights how dangerous escalations can become when diplomacy fails.

Moving forward, the situation will depend on whether leaders in both countries choose negotiation over further confrontation. International calls for calm and dialogue continue, but achieving a lasting peace will require compromise, clear communication, and a reduction of military aggression along one of Asia’s most volatile borders.