The military intervention in the Bajaur District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is not just a security measure limited to that region; rather, it is part of Pakistan’s evolving counterterrorism doctrine, where precision, intelligence-led operations, and community protection work together in a unified effort against the terrorist threat. Section 144, enforced continuously for twelve hours along the Khar-Munda Road, also facilitated troop movement and protected civilian areas. The action shows a continued reliance on technological resources, particularly unmanned aerial systems, to neutralize threats with minimal collateral damage.

In 2025, 28% of successful counterterrorism operations in KP were made due to drone-assisted strikes.

In July 2025, Pakistan came under 52 reported attacks linked to TTP that killed over 120 people and injured more than 200 across the country. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Bajaur remained a major hotspot, accounting for an estimated 15% of annual TTP-related incidents in the province. Alarmingly, more than 60% of Bajaur’s attacks targeted civilian-dense areas, challenging the so-called “jihad” claimed by the TTP and reaffirming its main modus operandi of fasad fil ardh, or spreading chaos on earth

The Bajaur operation was also intelligence-based, and this is an indication that Pakistani forces are now disrupting about 35 -40 percent of planned militant actions before they take place. This development signifies improved local intelligence systems and collaborative community efforts, hence, undermining the TTP strategy to eliminate and isolate the targeted community.

A defining feature of the Bajaur operation is the strategic integration of unmanned aerial systems (UAS). In 2025, 28 % of successful counterterrorism operations in KP were made due to drone-assisted strikes, compared to 15 % in the previous year. This technological evolution has three major implications:

1. Higher Accuracy –  The rate of collateral damage is only around 5% in the drone-ordered operation as compared with the ground-based raid, in which it is about 12 to 15 percent.
2. Faster Decision Loops – Real-time surveillance allows for tactical responses within under 10 minutes of target identification.
3. Psychological Impact – TTP’s field units now face operational paralysis, with reported delays of 24–48 hours in attack planning due to fear of aerial detection.

TTP’s rhetoric justifies their violence in the name of saving religion but statistics over last 12 months prove otherwise:

• In KP, 72% TTP attacks have primarily targeted markets, school or roads where civilians congregate.
• TTP strikes against legitimate military targets make up only 8%.
• Over 55% of TTP’s fatalities were women and children.

This fact corresponds to the statement of the Paigham-e-Pakistan Fatwa. Such acts are declared to be haram by the fatwa, and they are referred to as fasad rather than jihad. Due to this, the military operation in Bajaur was not only lawful but was also religiously and morally necessary to save a life.

Nearly 25% of the 40 attacks in July involved drones, primarily targeting security forces posts and strategic checkpoints.

Intelligence-based operations mean that precision drones are reducing the capability of the Taliban to take actions in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). At present rates, operations in Bajaur may eliminate three to four Taliban fighters per week on average. Within 12 months, such strikes may reduce the group’s strength in the region by at least 25 percent.

In July 2025, the number of terror attacks conducted by TTP using drones increased significantly, raising serious concerns for Pakistan’s security. Nearly 25% of the 40 attacks in July involved drones, primarily targeting security forces posts and strategic checkpoints. With such unmanned aircraft, TTP can operate remotely, reducing its risk of direct engagement and increasing precision and lethality.

This is evident as attacks on security personnel specifically rose by 18% in July compared to June. Statistics show that about 62% of civilians killed in TTP drone attacks occurred in July 2025, indicating the group’s disregard for Islamic rules against killing non-combatants.

Such acts are declared to be haram by the Paigham-e-Pakistan Fatwa, and they are referred to as fasad rather than jihad.

These attacks aim to incite and undermine the fundamental principles of jihad. Combating this threat requires a comprehensive approach that combines effective intelligence with innovative counter-drone systems and ongoing community engagement. Only then can ground forces offset TTP’s tactical drone capabilities and dismantle the extremist ideology fueling their recruitment and propaganda efforts.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author. They do not represent the views, beliefs, or policies of the Stratheia.