An unidentified drone was observed flying over Kandahar city on Sunday evening, prompting alarm among residents amid a noticeable increase in aerial surveillance activity across southern Afghanistan. Local sources reported that the drone appeared around 8:00 PM on July 13 and remained airborne for several hours. No statement has been issued by Afghan authorities or international actors regarding the drone’s origin or purpose.
The unexplained presence of the aircraft has fueled unease among civilians, many of whom voiced concern over the absence of official communication or clarification. This development comes amid a broader trend of heightened drone activity since the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan in August 2021. Southern provinces such as Kandahar have witnessed a rise in unmanned aerial vehicles, often presumed to be conducting surveillance operations.
While no foreign government has claimed responsibility, analysts say such flights are consistent with over-the-horizon counterterrorism tactics employed by the United States and its allies following their military withdrawal. These operations are typically aimed at monitoring extremist threats and assessing internal dynamics within the Taliban administration.
“The persistence of unacknowledged aerial surveillance raises serious questions about transparency, sovereignty, and the psychological impact on civilian populations,” said a Kabul-based security analyst who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter.
The increased drone presence, in the absence of official oversight or public disclosure, has contributed to a climate of uncertainty in regions already grappling with instability and economic hardship.
Observers warn that continued ambiguity surrounding aerial surveillance whether domestic or foreign could undermine efforts to build public trust and national stability.
Calls are growing for both the de facto authorities in Kabul and international stakeholders to clarify the purpose of such operations and ensure that the rights and security of Afghan civilians remain a priority in all counterterrorism or intelligence activities.
