Pakistan Records More Than 180 Drone Attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Since 2025

Militants have carried out at least 182 drone attacks against Pakistani security forces in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa over the past 18 months, according to provincial authorities, highlighting a growing shift in militant tactics in one of the country’s most volatile regions. Police data show that more than 100 of the attacks occurred during the first five months of 2026, indicating a sharp increase compared with the previous year. Most incidents were recorded in the districts of North Waziristan and Bannu, where security forces have long battled militant groups. According to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police, 82 drone attacks targeting police stations, checkpoints and security installations were recorded in 2025. North Waziristan accounted for 41 of those incidents, followed by Bannu with 26 attacks. Police said the number of attacks has risen further this year. In the first six months of 2026 alone, authorities recorded 100 drone attacks across 13 districts of the province, primarily targeting police patrols and security force positions. North Waziristan again recorded the highest number of incidents with 48 attacks, followed by Bajaur and Tank with nine each. Bannu and Dera Ismail Khan each reported eight attacks, while Lakki Marwat recorded five. Additional incidents were reported in Khyber, South Waziristan, Abbottabad, Hangu, Mohmand and Swabi. The official added that hundreds of additional drone attacks had been intercepted before reaching their targets and therefore were not formally documented. In Bannu alone, more than 200 drone attacks were reportedly thwarted during the past six months. Syed Irfan Ashraf, a professor at the University of Peshawar, said militant groups often suffer heavy casualties in direct clashes with the military but can inflict damage more effectively through drone operations. He added that the growing use of drones has contributed to insecurity in affected districts and prompted some residents to leave their homes. Analysts also say that despite government restrictions, Chinese-made drones remain readily available on Pakistan’s black market. The Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) announced the formation of a so-called “air force” unit in December last year, although it has not publicly detailed the unit’s structure or operational role. Pakistan has experienced a significant increase in militant violence since the Afghan Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan in August 2021. Pakistani officials have repeatedly accused the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) of using Afghanistan territory as a base for planning and launching attacks, allegations that Taliban authorities in Kabul have denied. Relations between Pakistan and the Taliban-led administration have deteriorated in recent years over security concerns, border tensions and the presence of militant groups. Islamabad has repeatedly urged Kabul to take action against TTP fighters, while Kabul has rejected accusations that they provide sanctuary to militants targeting Pakistan. The post Pakistan Records More Than 180 Drone Attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Since 2025 appeared first on Khaama Press.