Pakistani Militants Use Bomb-carrying Drones Against Security Forces in Northwest

Islamist militants in Pakistan's northwest have begun using commercially acquired quadcopter drones to drop improvised explosive devices and mortar shells on security forces, marking a dangerous tactical shift in the region. These drones have targeted police stations in Bannu district, resulting in civilian casualties including a woman killed and children injured. While militants are still experimenting with the technology and struggle to hit targets accurately, the police forces are under-equipped and lack the tools to effectively counter this new threat. No militant group has claimed responsibility for the attacks, though the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), the main militant group in the area, denies using drones but admits to seeking the technology. The escalation has heightened tensions amid fears of military offensives and civilian protests, complicating security efforts in the volatile region. Officials warn that militants currently have better equipment than the police, underscoring the urgent need to address this emerging form of drone warfare.