PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police and law enforcement agencies in province have foiled 246 attempted drone attacks so far this year, according to a report published by state-run media.
Officials in Pakistan have previously stated that armed groups, particularly the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), known as Fitna al Khawarij, are increasingly using modified commercial drones to drop explosives in attacks against security forces. A police officer was killed last month during an intelligence-based operation in the Hangu district.
Authorities also maintain that such weapons have become more accessible to militants following the withdrawal of US forces from neighbouring Afghanistan.
Citing an official report, the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) said a total of 246 drone attack attempts were recorded in the province.
“The highest number of 215 such attacks occurred in the Bannu region,” the report stated.
It added that 15 attempted drone attacks were reported in Dera Ismail Khan, seven in Malakand, and four in Peshawar. Two incidents each were foiled in Mardan and Kohat, while one attempt was reported in the Hazara division.
According to police officials, all attempts were successfully thwarted using advanced anti-drone technology, with no casualties or damage reported.
Authorities said security forces remain on high alert amid continued threats in the region.
Islamabad has repeatedly accused Afghanistan of providing safe havens to militant groups targeting Pakistan, allegations denied by Kabul, which insists its territory is not used for cross-border attacks.
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Pakistan has witnessed a rise in militant violence in KP since the Afghan Taliban returned to power in 2021, while Kabul maintains that Islamabad must address its own internal security challenges.
