ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s military said on Wednesday it had intercepted and destroyed four drones launched by the Afghan Taliban across the border into Balochistan, accusing Kabul of supporting militant groups operating against Pakistan.
In a statement, the military’s media wing, ISPR, said the four “rudimentary drones” were launched on June 30 as part of what it described as the Afghan Taliban regime’s patronage of terrorist organisations operating from territory under its control.
According to the ISPR, Pakistan’s air defence network detected the drones immediately after they crossed the border, and security forces neutralised all four using counter-drone systems before they could achieve their objectives.
“The hostile aerial platforms were immediately picked up by Pakistan’s robust air defence network. Demonstrating high operational readiness, security forces successfully neutralised all four incoming drones using sophisticated countermeasures,” it said and added that, “Due to the swift and effective response, the malicious attempts were effectively thwarted.”
The ISPR said the Afghan Taliban was attempting to divert attention from domestic challenges through cross-border provocations.
“Such gimmicks of the Afghan Taliban regime are aimed at misleading the Afghan population suffering under their oppressive regime,” ISPR said and added that the Afghan Taliban should realise that their irresponsible behaviour is only adding to the hardships of the Afghan people.
It urged Kabul to stop supporting militant groups and instead adhere to the principles of peaceful coexistence.
“Instead of trying to sedate their population through such antics and hollow rhetoric, they should eschew sponsorship of terrorism and adhere to the principle of peaceful coexistence.”
The military warned that any further provocations would invite a “befitting response” and said Pakistan’s armed forces remained fully prepared to defend the country’s sovereignty.
“However, if the Afghan Taliban continue to provoke Pakistan, they would receive a befitting response, which would cost them heavily.”
The Pakistan Armed Forces remain fully vigilant and capable of defending every inch of the motherland, it said.
Any misadventures or cross-border provocations threatening the sovereignty of Pakistan and endangering our people will continue to be met with swift, decisive, and overwhelming responses under Operation Ghazab-lil-Haq, it added.
