According to Pakistani security sources cited by Dawn and ABC News, the Pakistan Armed Forces and Air Force intercepted and shot down eight drones operated by Afghan forces using air defense systems—four near the Torkham border crossing and four near Kohat. The clash follows recent Pakistani airstrikes in eastern Afghanistan's Paktia and Nangarhar provinces targeting militant hideouts, which Islamabad claimed killed 28 militants, though Kabul reported civilian casualties. In response to the border infiltration attempt, Pakistani troops launched retaliatory strikes against Afghan mortar positions and border posts, forcing several detachments to retreat. While Afghan Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid denied launching the attacks, regional peace mediation efforts led by China, Turkey, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia face severe disruption amid escalating hostilities between Kabul and Islamabad.