Pakistan’s air defense units shot down two unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) near Faizabad, a key junction connecting Rawalpindi and the federal capital, Islamabad, senior officials confirmed on Friday.
Security sources said the drones were detected flying near the Faizabad interchange, a sensitive location at the confluence of the twin cities. Air defense systems responded promptly, successfully neutralizing both UAVs. Authorities have not yet disclosed the origin or purpose of the drones.
Following the incident, the airspace above Islamabad was temporarily closed as a precaution.
The Pakistan Airports Authority said flight operations at Islamabad International Airport experienced minor disruptions for a short period. “All flights at the airport are now operating as usual,” a spokesperson said, advising passengers to check with their airlines for updates.
Claims circulating
Several Afghan social media accounts claimed that drones launched from Afghanistan targeted Hamza Camp, a security installation reportedly near the Faizabad area at the junction of Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
Officials have not confirmed these claims. The reported UAV activity and explosions correspond to the area where Hamza Camp is located, though no official statement has linked the downed drones to any specific target.
Background
The incident comes amid heightened regional tensions and increased security vigilance. Pakistani security forces have recently conducted operations against militant networks, including cross-border strikes targeting suspected militant infrastructure.
Authorities have intensified monitoring of aerial activity around sensitive installations and major urban centers, particularly in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Security agencies are continuing investigations to determine the origin, trajectory, and intent of the downed UAVs.
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