Afghanistan: Reports have emerged that Afghan security forces shot down a drone aircraft in Afghanistan’s Maidan Wardak province, near Kabul. Pro-Taliban sources have claimed that the downed aircraft was a US MQ-9 Reaper drone, one of Washington’s most advanced unmanned aerial vehicles.
The incident reportedly occurred on Thursday morning (January 1) in a mountainous region of Afghanistan. Images and video footage of the wreckage have since circulated widely on social media platforms associated with Taliban supporters. However, no official confirmation has been issued so far by either the Taliban authorities or the United States.
Some accounts suggest that the drone may have been launched from Pakistan, though conflicting claims have also emerged, with a few sources alleging it was a Pakistani-operated drone. These assertions remain unverified.
Alleged Launch From Pakistani Airbases Raises Questions
According to unconfirmed reports, the MQ-9 Reaper that crashed in Afghanistan may have been launched from a Pakistani airbase allegedly used covertly by US intelligence agencies. Bases such as Jacobabad or Shamsi, which have previously been linked to US drone operations, are being cited in these claims.
Pakistan has consistently denied the presence of US intelligence or military operations on its soil. Nevertheless, the reports have reignited speculation about Islamabad’s potential role in facilitating American drone missions in the region.
Strategic Setback for the United States
If confirmed, the downing of an MQ-9 Reaper in Afghanistan would represent a significant setback for the United States. Last year, Yemen’s Houthi rebels claimed they had shot down 22 MQ-9 Reaper drones since October 2023. The possibility of another such incident in Afghanistan has raised fresh concerns about the vulnerability of these high-value assets.
The MQ-9 Reaper is regarded as one of the most precise and lethal drones in the US arsenal. Capable of carrying up to eight Hellfire missiles and bombs weighing up to 1,700 kilograms, the drone is designed to destroy enemy tanks, military installations, and personnel with high accuracy. It can operate at altitudes of up to 50,000 feet, enabling extensive surveillance and strike capabilities.
India’s MQ-9 Drone Deal With the US
In a related development, India has entered into a major defence agreement with the United States for the acquisition of MQ-9 drones. Under a deal signed with American defence manufacturer General Atomics, India will procure 31 MQ-9B drones.
These drones are equipped with High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) capabilities and are expected to significantly enhance India’s surveillance and strike capacity. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2029, with all 31 drones expected to be inducted into service by 2030.
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