Report By : trueobserver

Taliban Claims Drone Strikes on Pakistan’s Kohat Army Camp After Islamabad’s Air Raids in Afghanistan

Tensions between Afghanistan’s Taliban government and Pakistan have escalated sharply after Kabul claimed responsibility for drone strikes targeting a Pakistani army camp in Kohat. The attacks were reportedly carried out in retaliation for Pakistani air raids inside Afghanistan, which Taliban officials say killed civilians and damaged infrastructure.

The latest exchange marks one of the most serious military escalations between the two neighbours since the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan in 2021.

Taliban Claims Retaliatory Drone Strike

Afghanistan’s defence ministry said its forces launched retaliatory drone strikes against Pakistan’s Kohat military fort and army installations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The Taliban claimed the attack caused significant damage to military facilities and command infrastructure.

According to Afghan officials, the strike was a direct response to recent Pakistani air attacks on Afghan cities such as Kabul and Kandahar, which reportedly resulted in civilian casualties including women and children.

The incident signals a dangerous escalation in the already tense relationship between the two countries.

Pakistan’s Air Raids Trigger the Clash

Pakistan has carried out several airstrikes inside Afghanistan since February 2026, targeting what it says are camps of militant groups such as Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Islamic State-Khorasan (ISKP).

Islamabad argues that these militant groups are responsible for deadly attacks inside Pakistan and operate from Afghan territory. However, the Taliban government denies harbouring militants and accuses Pakistan of violating Afghanistan’s sovereignty.

The cross-border strikes have fueled a cycle of retaliation, with both sides accusing each other of aggression.

Pakistan Disputes Taliban’s Claims

Pakistani officials have disputed the Taliban’s claim that the Kohat army camp was successfully hit.

Security sources said rudimentary drones were used in the attempted attack but were intercepted by Pakistani defence systems, adding that falling debris caused minor injuries to civilians.

The Pakistani military has not officially confirmed significant damage to its installations.

Growing Border Tensions

The Afghanistan-Pakistan border region has long been a flashpoint due to militant activity and disputes over the Durand Line, the disputed boundary between the two countries.

Key factors driving the tensions include:

Pakistan’s accusations that Afghan territory is used by the TTP to launch attacks
Taliban denial of these claims and accusations of Pakistani interference
Repeated cross-border strikes and retaliatory operations

These tensions have intensified since the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan in 2021.

Diplomatic Efforts to Reduce Conflict

International actors have been trying to reduce tensions between the two countries. China has recently stepped in to mediate, urging both sides to de-escalate and resume dialogue.

However, the latest exchange of drone strikes and air raids suggests that the situation remains volatile.

Conclusion

The Taliban’s claim of drone strikes on Pakistan’s Kohat army camp highlights the rapidly deteriorating relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan. What began as cross-border counter-terrorism operations has now escalated into a series of retaliatory attacks.

With both sides trading accusations and military strikes, analysts warn that continued escalation could push the region toward a broader and more dangerous conflict unless diplomatic efforts succeed.

FAQs

1. Why did the Taliban claim drone strikes on Pakistan?

The Taliban said the strikes were retaliation for Pakistani air raids inside Afghanistan that allegedly killed civilians.

2. Where is Kohat army camp located?

Kohat is located in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in north-western Pakistan, near the Afghan border.

3. Why is Pakistan conducting airstrikes in Afghanistan?

Pakistan says it is targeting militant groups like Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) that it claims operate from Afghan territory.

4. Has Pakistan confirmed the drone strike damage?

No. Pakistani officials say the drones were intercepted and denied major damage to the military base.