Drone videos of military operations: Has the Pakistani army's strategy against militants changed?

Last week, a video emerged from North Waziristan military strikes, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, showing a military operation in which two suspected militants were killed. The video, widely shared by pro-Pakistani Army drone operations accounts on social media, is reportedly from the village of Moski in Mir Ali. In the footage, individuals allegedly linked to the TTP drone attacks can be seen inside a compound. The "targets" enter a room, which is then precisely struck within seconds. The strike was executed with such precision that Pakistan that the roof bore signs of a rocket impact, yet the rest of the compound remained undamaged. Another similar video shows ISPR military operations, where military forces attack a compound with alleged TTP members inside. In contrast, the entire operation is filmed using drone surveillance in the military. Military commanders receive real-time updates on the situation within the compound. A third Pakistan counterterrorism tactics video captures a group of suspected militants walking along a pathway. The footage is so clear that their faces are recognizable. Moments later, they are targeted, and drone strikes against militants are carried out. A social media account later claimed that all four individuals in the attack were killed. This represents the adoption of smart warfare by the Pakistan Army in intelligence-based operations. When approached for confirmation, the military’s media wing, ISPR military operations, had not responded at the time of writing. However, officials involved in these operations, speaking anonymously, confirmed that the videos are from recent operations. They also acknowledged a Pakistan military strategy change, particularly in the use of technology. Pakistan is now targeting threats more smartly rather than relying on conventional airstrikes. Drone-assisted operations have proven to be more effective and less damaging, focusing on specific targets while minimizing collateral damage," one official stated.

Has the Pakistani army changed its strategy to deal with terrorism?

Pakistan has been part of the global war on terrorism for more than two decades. Over this period, the Pakistan Army counterterrorism strategy has evolved, making it a force highly skilled in guerrilla warfare in Pakistan and counterterrorism operations in challenging terrains. Despite this expertise, many Intelligence-Based Operations (IBOs) in Pakistan are now being carried out using drone warfare in Pakistan. Defense technology analyst Syed Muhammad Ali discussed this shift. He explained that when a target is identified, a military commander has several options. However, with the introduction of Pakistani drones in counterterrorism, commanders now have an option that allows them to precisely identify and eliminate a specific individual, building, or target. "This is executed with such precision strikes in Pakistan that collateral damage is minimal," he stated. He believes that this advancement benefits not only the military but also ensures the safety of civilians. "In the past, large-scale destruction and collateral damage allowed the military to achieve its objectives, but such operations negatively impacted public perception." Syed Muhammad Ali also highlighted that, under international laws of warfare, it is essential for a state to differentiate between active and non-active targets before engaging them. Therefore, Pakistan military tactics against terrorism now also focus on controlling the narrative during counterterrorism operations. Militarily, this approach has reduced the need for heavy weaponry and large-scale ammunition usage," he explained. Pakistan has acquired Bayraktar TB2 and Akinci drones from Turkey to enhance its ISPR military strategy and further advance smart warfare in Pakistan.

Which drones does Pakistan use for these operations?

Pakistan's three armed forces are currently utilizing various types of drones. These include small drones that are being developed domestically using local resources. The second category consists of advanced, larger drones purchased from countries such as Turkey and China. These are known as Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) drones. These drones can remain airborne for extended periods and have the capability to carry significant amounts of ammunition and explosives. At present, the Pakistan Army is employing different types of drones for multiple counterterrorism operations:

Surveillance and reconnaissance drones: These are used to monitor militant hideouts and movements, providing critical intelligence.
Electronic warfare drones: These drones track, disrupt, and monitor terrorist communication networks.
Targeted strike drones: These drones are highly precise, ensuring that only the intended target is neutralized with minimal collateral damage. Compared to airstrikes from fighter jets or attack helicopters, these drones are far more efficient, particularly when targeting a specific building or even a single room.
Kamikaze drones: These function like small missiles, flying at low altitudes to strike their designated targets.
Loitering drones: These drones hover over a specific area, waiting for a target to appear before launching an attack.

Additionally, Pakistan is among the countries that integrate drone aircraft into full-scale combat strategies. This system, known as an Airborne Early Warning System, operates as a coordinated aerial formation. Some drones identify and track targets, relay data to fighter jets and command centers via data links, lock onto targets, and then execute attacks either autonomously or through commands from other aircraft or drones. According to military sources, Pakistan possesses and actively deploys all these drone types in counterterrorism operations. A conservative estimate suggests that Pakistan currently has an active inventory of around 300 drones, including both locally manufactured and foreign-acquired UAVs. Additionally, China's advanced Wing Loong II drones have also been deployed in Intelligence-Based Operations (IBOs).

Are drones cost-effective for the Pakistan Army?

According to military experts, a fighter jet mission costs thousands of dollars, whereas drones have significantly lower operational expenses. The use of drones minimizes human casualties while also reducing costs associated with fighter jets, crew training, and maintenance. Additionally, small drones can remain airborne for extended periods, something most fighter jets cannot achieve. Syed Muhammad Ali explains, "Now, an operation commander can decide the nature of the mission—whether a drone is sufficient or if ground troops need to be deployed, putting soldiers’ lives at risk." However, despite these advantages, drone technology also has some limitations:

Small and low-cost drones carry limited weaponry, whereas a fighter jet like the F-16 can load over six tons of ammunition in a single mission.
Fighter jets are significantly faster than drones, making them more suitable for striking larger targets.
Drones lack self-defense capabilities. In contrast, fighter jets are fully equipped for self-defense, allowing them to destroy aerial or ground targets and jam enemy radars or installations.

Currently, Pakistan’s existing drones do not possess these self-defense capabilities.

Why are videos being shared through these accounts on social media in Pakistan?

For years, militant groups in Pakistan have shared videos of attacks on security forces via social media. Groups like the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) and other insurgent organizations in Balochistan have filmed attacks on military installations and circulated these videos through various accounts. Similarly, after the Taliban takeover of Kabul, several videos emerged showing Tehrik-I-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants using night vision cameras to record cross-border operations along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. These "propaganda videos" were widely shared on social media. Previously, the Pakistani military did not publicly share its operational footage. However, it now appears that social media accounts affiliated with the military’s media wing (ISPR) have begun releasing videos of intelligence-based operations (IBOs). These videos, recorded using advanced quadcopters, provide a high-tech view of military actions. Some videos have also been captured through body cameras worn by soldiers during operations. Discussing this shift, defense analyst Syed Muhammad Ali explains that modern warfare combines both reality and perception, making it crucial for any military to control its narrative. "Counterterrorism operations in Pakistan require public support. This is a key element of military strategy. Since these operations occur within the country, it is essential to maintain public trust in security institutions," he stated. He further explains that "by releasing these videos, the military demonstrates that these operations are not linked to propaganda. In the past, there were allegations that military actions violated privacy or caused collateral damage. These videos counter such claims by providing clear evidence of precise, targeted strikes." Moreover, these videos send multiple messages:

To militant organizations – They face a highly advanced state military equipped with cutting-edge technology and expertise, capable of eliminating threats efficiently.
To the public – Their tax money is being used responsibly, ensuring minimal collateral damage and maximum efficiency in counterterrorism operations.

This shift indicates that Pakistan is now using modern military technology on par with the world's most advanced armies, effectively integrating it into counterterrorism (CT) operations.

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