Pakistan says it shot down 8 drones linked to Taliban authorities

Pakistani security sources say the country’s air defences have destroyed eight drones linked to the Taliban authorities after they entered Pakistani airspace in two border areas, Torkham and Kohat, in an incident that could further heighten security tensions between Kabul and Islamabad.

According to the sources, four drones were targeted in the Torkham area and four others near Kohat. Pakistani officials have not released further details about the type of the drones or their possible mission.

Islamabad has described the incident as evidence of direct Taliban authorities’ support for “terrorism.” Pakistan says the drones entered its territory in connection with the activities of armed groups, which Pakistani officials claim are supported by the Taliban authorities.

The incident comes amid continued border clashes and recent tensions between the two sides. Torkham is one of the key border crossings between Afghanistan and Pakistan, and any security incident in the area usually affects movement and the border situation between the two countries.