PESHAWAR – PAKISTAN (Khyber Mail): In a concerning development, Lashkar-e-Islam (LeI) and the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) have turned to quadcopter technology for their military operations in the Khyber District. LeI, a Deobandi jihadist terrorist group, has been active in both Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Province, Pakistan, and the neighboring Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan.
Founded in 2004, LeI initially operated as a local militant organization in Khyber Agency (now Khyber District). However, in 2008, it formed an alliance with the Pakistani Taliban (TTP) under the pressure of Pakistani counterinsurgency efforts and the TTP’s desire to control the strategically important Khyber Pass for attacks on NATO forces in Afghanistan1. This alliance transformed LeI from a local group into a regional and transnational terrorist organization. Despite being displaced into Afghanistan and weakened by military operations, LeI still maintains a presence in both countries.
The use of quadcopters by LeI and TTP is particularly alarming. These unmanned aerial vehicles can carry payloads, including explosives or surveillance equipment, making them potent tools in conflict zones. The security implications are significant, especially when such technology is directed at military installations.
As the situation unfolds, security forces must closely monitor and counter these threats. The presence of drones in the hands of militant groups poses a serious challenge, and effective measures are crucial to prevent successful attacks on military targets.