PESHAWAR – Outlawed militant group Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), aka Fitna al Khawarij, announced the formation of a so-called “Air Force Wing” amid rise in drone and quadcopter attacks across KP, raising fears of an escalation in deadly militant tactics.
Afghan Taliban backed terrorist organization continues to show its intent to expand its arsenal, posing a growing threat to civilians and state security. In chilling escalation of militant signaling, TTP announced the formation of so-called “Air Force Unit”, raising serious concerns among security experts as drone and quadcopter attacks sharply increase across Pakistan.
The announcement was part of TTP’s annual organizational restructuring for the new year, but this time, the inclusion of “Air Force”, along with addition of “Kashmir” as a designated province which raised eyebrows.
According to restructuring documents, Maulvi Saleem Haqqani has been appointed head of the newly created Air Force Unit, while Hamza has been assigned responsibility for electronics and workshop operations, a move analysts see as directly linked to the growing use of drones as weapons.
KP Police data for 2025 reveals that militants carried out 54 drone attacks across the province, with North Waziristan and Bannu emerging as the most affected districts. Several videos circulating online show drones and small quadcopters being used to drop explosives, underlining the evolving tactics of militant groups.
These drones and quadcopters are being fitted with mortar shells or locally made bombs. Some experts believe militant groups are drawing on decades-old experience in aerial and missile-based warfare.
Some expert said vehicle-borne bombings were expensive. Now quadcopters are cheaper and can also be used defensively. That’s why militants are shifting to this method.
Cam drones and quadcopters are easily available in Afghanistan, despite the Afghan Taliban imposing an official ban on flying them. The devices continue to circulate through the black market, fueling militant operations across the border.
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