The Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan is not only a threat to Pakistan and the region but is becoming a global threat to International Security. It is a by-product of intra-jihadi politics that followed the 2001 U.S. invasion of Afghanistan. TTP is the largest terrorist organization linked with the Afghan Taliban, ISKP, etc. They carry out terrorist activities in Pakistan. It has a strong hold on both sides of the Pak-Afghan border. Traditionally, this terrorist organization uses guerrilla tactics, suicide bombing, and small arms attacks, but recently it has been observed that they have acquired drone (UAVs) technology. This shift of terrorist organizations from traditional warfare to modern tactics is very dangerous for Pakistan’s security forces.
TTP has acquired drone (UAVs) technology, an alarming shift from traditional guerrilla tactics to modern warfare.
Before 2020, Pakistan launched several operations against this organization, and finally, Pakistan achieved success, restoring peace. But in 2021, the U.S withdrew from Afghanistan, and the Afghan Taliban took over the government, which resulted in an uprising of terrorist activities in Pakistan. TTP saw Afghanistan as a haven and started terrorist activities across Pakistan, especially Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Fitnah-al-Khawarij (TTP) uses different warfare tactics against Pakistan, and the most prominent one is guerrilla warfare and asymmetrical tactics. These include targeting of military agencies and civilians by using guerilla style IEDs (improvised explosive device), suicide bombing and small arms attacks but the significant shift in TTP’s warfare is the emergence of the use of UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) known as drones, which is very dangerous for the Pakistan national security.
Moreover, the use of drones by terrorist groups can change the dynamics of military operations in this modern world. According to the ISPR report, on May 19, 2025, an incident occurred in Mir Ali North Waziristan district, and this incident was carried out by TTP by using a drone, and they said that they are backed and funded by India.
The 19 May 2025 drone attack in Mir Ali was claimed by TTP, allegedly backed and funded by India.
Before the 19 May 2025 incident, another incident occurred on 28 April 2025 in Wana Lower South Waziristan district. This attack was not claimed by any terrorist organization, but eyewitnesses and other local people said that the 28th April attack was also a drone attack. And about 12 individuals were killed, and several were injured in this incident. These two incidents create a strong argument that TTP has acquired drone technology, and this is an alarming situation for Pakistan’s national security.
Furthermore, drone warfare has changed the dynamics of war. It is used to hit a precise target without involving direct war or direct military combat. Drones are also dangerous when in the hands of terrorist organizations, especially TTP, because they can use them far from the border and then hit any target within the territory of Pakistan. Drones have many purposes, for example, they can be used for hitting the target, surveillance, and also to stop the air defense system of the opponent. Therefore, it will pose a dangerous and tough time for Pakistan stakeholders. We have witnessed of recent Pakistan and India conflict and both states used drones against one another, a sign of the use of modern technology. Before this, drone warfare has been used in Ukraine and Israel, and other parts of the world.
Contrary to this, there are so many examples that terrorist groups are using drones. For example, Non-State group usage of drones has been prominently seen in Myanmar. Drones have also been used to lethal effect in terrorist attacks. In October 2023, a terrorist attack in Syria happened, and the terrorist group used several explosive-laden drones and killed 89 soldiers and civilians, and about 240 were wounded. This attack was launched by using drones on a military college graduation ceremony in the Homs region. This attack was the third-deadliest terrorist attack according to the global terrorism index 2024.
According to PIPS, Pakistan saw a 70% rise in terrorist attacks in 2024 compared to 2023.
Moreover, TTP uses drones because they are cheaper and do not require conventional military operations, and the missiles used to counter these drones are very costly. The use of UAVs is a fact, and it cannot be stopped, but it can be disrupted. According to the Pakistan Institute for Peace ( PIPS), about a 70% increase in terrorist attacks in 2024 as compared to 2023.
In 2024, the wave of terrorism resulted in approximately 851 deaths, which is a 23% increase in terrorism related fatalities as compared to 2023. Terrorist activities were recorded in all provinces of Pakistan, but over 95% of them were concentrated in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Baluchistan. These attacks include suicide attacks, small arms attacks, and guerrilla tactics, and most of these attacks were launched by Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan.
The TTP is a big threat for Pakistan national security and also the shift of TTP’s warfare tactics from guerilla, small arms war and suicide bombing towards the use of drones is an alarming situation for Pakistan because these terrorist groups can use these technologies against anyone and it is not a threat for regions but it is a threat for international security as well.
Drones are dangerous in terrorist hands, allowing precision attacks without direct confrontation.
Pakistan security forces and law enforcement agencies should realize this shift and should take some serious alternatives to counter these tactics. Because the past terrorist activities by TTP were different, as they used direct combat, but acquiring drone technology has changed their war tactics, and they can hit targets anywhere without involving direct personal confrontation.
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.
