ISLAMABAD — Pakistan has targeted 10 drone launch and storage sites inside Afghanistan in response to what it describes as a deliberate cross-border incursion, Federal Minister for Information Attaullah Tarar said, escalating tensions between the two neighbours over airspace violations.
All Infiltrating Drones Intercepted, Minister Says
In a statement, Tarar said the infiltration of drones from Afghan soil on September 23 amounted to a clear violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty, and confirmed that the country’s air defences disabled every aircraft before it could reach its intended target.
“Pakistan’s air defences disabled all the infiltrating drones before they reached their targets,” the minister said, adding that he strongly condemned the attack launched from Afghan territory.
Operation Described as Precise and Limited
Tarar characterised Pakistan’s military response inside Afghanistan as proportionate, saying the strikes were precise and confined to direct military targets. According to the minister, the 10 sites struck were linked to the launching and storage of the drones used in the incursion.
The minister framed the operation as an exercise of Pakistan’s right to defend its territory, its people and its national security, warning that attacks originating from Afghan soil will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
Warning to Kabul
Tarar directed a sharp message at the Afghan authorities, urging them to immediately halt all hostile activities against Pakistan and to prevent their territory from being used for terrorism or attacks across the border.
- Pakistan says it has the full right to defend its territory, people and national security.
- Kabul is urged to cease all hostile activities and deny its soil to militant groups.
- Islamabad insists it remains committed to peace, dialogue and constructive regional relations.
- Further provocations will be met with a strong response, the minister warned.
Peace Overtures Come With a Caveat
Despite the military action, Tarar said Pakistan remains committed to peace, dialogue and constructive relations in the region. He cautioned, however, that the desire for peace should not be mistaken for weakness, and that any further provocation would draw a strong response.
The exchange marks a fresh downturn in relations between Islamabad and Kabul, which have repeatedly traded accusations over cross-border militant activity in recent months.
