Pakistan threatens to shoot down US UAVs entering airspace

Pakistan Air Force has adopted a new policy allowing it to destroy all UAVs in its airspace, even if they are from allies like the US.

Pakistan Air Force Commander Sohail Aman. Photo: Arab News

"We will not allow anyone to violate our airspace. The Pakistan Air Force will shoot down any unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), including American ones, if they enter Pakistani airspace, violating our sovereignty," Sputnik quoted Pakistan Air Force Commander Sohail Aman as saying on December 8.

The US has been conducting a series of military and paramilitary operations in Pakistan for many years, aiming to destroy terrorist forces hiding there. Pakistan has always condemned the US drone strikes, but also tacitly agreed with them. However, Mr. Aman's statement marked a clear change in Islamabad's policy.

MP Nuzhat Sadiq, chairwoman of the Pakistani Senate Foreign Relations Committee, asserted that the country has eliminated all terrorist and militant groups, so there is no need for airstrikes from US UAVs. "The Pakistani government has adopted a policy banning US UAVs from our airspace, the air force commander has conveyed that statement to the US side," Ms. Sadiq affirmed.

US UAVs often strike targets on Pakistani soil. Illustration photo: USAF

US-Pakistan relations have been strained in recent months, after US President Donald Trump criticized Islamabad for providing safe havens to terrorist organizations. US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson also asked Pakistan to stop harboring dangerous terrorist groups.

John Kiriakou, former head of counterterrorism operations for the CIA in Pakistan, said the Trump administration wants Islamabad to step up military operations against the Taliban group operating across the border. If the Pakistani government fails to do so, President Trump could do the same as his predecessors, which is to authorize military operations deep inside Pakistani territory.

According to VNE