Taliban Launches Drone Strikes on Pakistani Military Bases and Islamabad

The Taliban administration in Afghanistan has announced a major military operation against Pakistan, claiming to have launched suicide drone strikes on various military bases and areas adjacent to the Prime Minister's office in Islamabad. According to the Taliban Ministry of Defense, the strikes were carried out at approximately 11:00 AM on Friday. Hamdullah Fitrat, the Deputy Spokesperson for the Ministry of Defense, stated that the operation was a direct response to recent aerial incursions by the Pakistani military into Afghan territory, specifically targeting Kabul and Kandahar.

Details of the Drone Operations and Targets

According to the official statement from the Taliban, their suicide drones targeted several strategic locations within Pakistan. The areas mentioned include the vicinity of Faizabad city near Islamabad, which houses the Prime Minister's office and other high-level government buildings, while Plus, the Taliban claimed successful strikes on the Army Cantonment in Nowshera, the military colony in Jamrud, and several military installations in Abbottabad. The Taliban described the operations as highly successful, asserting that their drones accurately hit the designated military targets and infrastructure.

Official Statement from the Taliban Defense Ministry

Deputy Spokesperson Hamdullah Fitrat confirmed that the Afghan Air Force executed these drone operations. He emphasized that the strikes were a retaliatory measure against Pakistani military actions conducted the previous night in Kabul, Kandahar, and Paktia provinces. Fitrat stated that the Taliban administration remains committed to defending its sovereignty and won't hesitate to respond to any external aggression, while the spokesperson claimed that significant damage was inflicted upon Pakistani military assets, although official confirmation of the extent of damage from the Pakistani side is still awaited.

Background of the Escalating Conflict

The current escalation follows a series of airstrikes conducted by the Pakistani military on Thursday midnight. Pakistan had claimed that its operations targeted Taliban military hideouts and resulted in the deaths of 130 fighters, including several high-ranking commanders. Pakistan has frequently accused the Taliban of providing safe haven to the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), an allegation that the Taliban administration has consistently denied, while these recent exchanges mark one of the most serious military confrontations between the two neighbors in recent years.

Reported Casualties and Border Confrontations

In addition to the drone strikes, heavy ground fighting has been reported along the border. The Taliban claimed to have killed 55 Pakistani soldiers and taken more than 15 others captive during recent skirmishes. They also asserted control over 23 Pakistani border outposts. While Pakistani authorities have not officially confirmed these specific casualty figures, the situation on the ground remains volatile. Both sides have reportedly deployed heavy artillery and increased troop presence along the Durand Line, leading to a complete halt in cross-border movement in several sectors.

Current Security Situation and Military Alerts

Following the reports of drone attacks, a high-security alert has been issued across major Pakistani cities and military garrisons. Security agencies in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and Peshawar have been placed on high vigilance, while aerial surveillance has been intensified, particularly over sensitive military zones in Abbottabad and Nowshera. The Taliban has issued a warning that any further violation of Afghan airspace will lead to an expansion of their military operations, while diplomatic channels between the two countries remain strained as military activities continue to dominate the border landscape.