Soldier from the FC (Frontier Corps) dies in Bannu drone strike
In the strategic border region of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a notable trend has emerged in militant tactics, with drone attacks becoming increasingly common, particularly in the district of Bannu. These attacks, primarily by the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), have targeted key military and police installations, causing casualties and escalating tensions near the Afghan border.
History and Frequency
The TTP's use of drones marks a significant shift from their previous reliance on thermal imaging guns. The group claimed responsibility for a drone strike on the Brigade Headquarters in Bannu Cantonment in July 2025, echoing earlier U.S. drone operations in the area from 2004 to 2018. Over the past months, multiple drone attacks have targeted police stations and checkposts in Bannu, resulting in fatalities and injuries.
Countermeasures Taken
Pakistani security forces have responded to these drone attacks and militant incursions by shooting down explosive drones, increasing patrols, and tightening security around vulnerable installations. Police and local communities have actively resisted attacks on police posts, with injured personnel being evacuated and joint operations undertaken to tighten the net around militant groups in Bannu.
The Acquisition of Anti-Drone Technology
In response to this evolving threat, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) police acquired a state-of-the-art anti-drone system last month. The system, capable of detecting and disabling drones from a considerable distance, is aimed at neutralising aerial threats, including unauthorised drones. The acquisition is a move to bolster counter-terrorism capabilities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Operation Against Terrorists
An indefinite curfew was imposed in the Havid area of Bannu district due to a large-scale operation against terrorists. The operation began after intelligence reports confirmed the presence of armed militants in the area. A joint search operation was launched by the Frontier Corps (FC) and KP police to track down terrorists.
Legal Consequences for Aiding Terrorists
The District Police Officer (DPO) of Bannu, Saleem Abbas Kulachi, warned that any individual found assisting or sheltering terrorists would face strict legal consequences. Residents of the Havid area have been instructed to remain indoors after 5am until further notice.
Recent Attacks and Casualties
The drone attack in the Bakhakhel area of Bannu district resulted in injuries to three FC personnel and the martyrdom of one soldier. The drone dropped explosives on an FC checkpost, highlighting the destructive potential of these attacks.
Before the use of drones, terrorists in different areas used the latest thermal imaging guns to target policemen and security officials while remaining in the dark. The shift towards drone warfare by militants in the region underscores the need for effective countermeasures to maintain security and control in this strategic border area.
Technology has been increasingly used in war-and-conflicts, as the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has adapted to drone warfare in the district of Bannu, a shift from their previous use of thermal imaging guns. To counter this, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) police have acquired a state-of-the-art anti-drone system to bolster their counter-terrorism capabilities, signifying the intersection of politics, general news, and crime-and-justice in this strategic border region.
%20dies%20in%20Bannu%20drone%20strike){kind=link}