An Indian-origin drone has reportedly crashed in Afghanistan, according to regional sources.
The drone, identified as an Israeli-made Heron unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operated by India, went down in Maidan Shar, the provincial capital of Maidan Wardak, sources said. No official statement has so far been issued by Afghan authorities, and further details about the incident remain unclear.
Sources suggest that the Afghan Taliban administration may attempt to keep the incident out of public view, as it could substantiate intelligence reports regarding Indian-supplied drones operating in Afghanistan.
In recent months, intelligence reports have claimed that India provided drones worth approximately $2 billion to the Afghan Taliban and the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). These reports further allege that Indian intelligence agency RAW has been involved in training personnel in the operation of this technology. According to these claims, the drones are being used for regional activities, particularly targeting Pakistan.
India has repeatedly denied allegations of supporting militant groups. However, critics argue that New Delhi’s regional policies have come under increased scrutiny following recent accusations of involvement in covert operations abroad. The United States and Canada have both raised concerns in separate incidents, contributing to growing diplomatic pressure on India.
Analysts say the Maidan Shahr crash may reinforce long-standing warnings issued by Pakistan, which has consistently urged the international community to take such intelligence reports seriously. They caution that failure to address these concerns could pose broader security risks beyond South Asia.
