Drone targeted Haqqani network commander, Afghan Taliban: sources

E-Paper | March 15, 2026

PESHAWAR: A key Haqqani network commander Haji Gul was killed in the early morning US drone strike in Dand-i Darpakhel area of North Waziristan Agency, Dawn News quotes sources as saying on Thursday.

The drone strike also killed other prominent Afghan Taliban commanders identified as Mufti Sofian and Commander Abu Bakar.

Intelligence and local Taliban sources also confirmed that the drone strikes in Dand-i-Darpakhel targeted some explosive laden vehicles which were meant for some mission across the border.

The sources also believe that the militant group was preparing a squad and about to leave when it was attacked.

Some other commanders killed in the strike have been identified as Commander Yasin Gardezi, Abdullah Khan, Commander Jamil, Commander Asadullah. Their driver Noor Khan was also killed.

The local Taliban and tribesmen have also confirmed that the compound targeted belonged to members of the Afghan Taliban network.

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javed

Jun 12, 2014 02:26pm

Great Job

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Asim

Jun 12, 2014 02:40pm

Good strike

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Viking Star

Jun 12, 2014 02:43pm

I think the best way out would be a joint strategy between Pak and US to wipe out militants in waziristan. We know PAF fighter jets can handle situation too but there is lot more collateral damage. Drones are more accurate. And in regards to terrorists activities across cities in Pakistan, our intelligence is way behind par. We always dont need reaction (like GHQ, Salala, Mehran, Airport etc), it is high time that our authorities equip themselves with pre-empt situation handling capabilities.

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Justice

Jun 12, 2014 02:49pm

Congratulations and my sympathies with Hamid Gul.

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gerry d'cunha

Jun 12, 2014 02:54pm

it is high time the govt need to fully support the drone strike in killing high target talibans

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Muhammed Ali

Jun 12, 2014 03:07pm

Good news to wake up to....look at their names and look at their antics

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Farhan

Jun 12, 2014 03:07pm

well done

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alladitta

Jun 12, 2014 03:29pm

not good news for taliban and pakistanis.

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Hammad

Jun 12, 2014 03:29pm

The Afghan Taliban need to be punished for not stopping TTP from launching attacks inside Pakistan. Drones are a good choice, even if they only target the Afghans.

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SG Baloch

Jun 12, 2014 03:29pm

@Muhammed Ali You just woke up?

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Imad

Jun 12, 2014 03:33pm

Sad news to here that America has again attacked on our Land violating our sovereignty and international laws.

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siddharth

Jun 12, 2014 03:35pm

Rally behind them. This is good for regional peace.

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Jun 12, 2014 04:13pm

I guess everyone is a taliban key commander in NW including women and children :S

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raj

Jun 12, 2014 04:56pm

why you want to do drone strike on the field? is it possible to encounter soudi Arabian banks owners groups?? which supports and keeps accounts and even most of billionaire ....https://moneyjihad.wordpress.com/tag/al-rajhi-bank/ who finance for terrorist must be killed first...then who is doing it...how weapons are supplied? its clear its only game of high level '' billionaire '' ...and government politicians ..who make sure intelligence or anti terrorism department not to attack on those areas...why government do not give little bit good life by giving v=best job opportunities across the world? now a days company closing when people buy home and no jobs...bank will take there property ...corruption these are terrorism ....government and private big business closing and loosing job also equivalent to basic terrorism .....

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Jun 12, 2014 05:17pm

why don't drones target TTP and IMU terrorists, hmmmm

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Khalid

Jun 12, 2014 07:16pm

Why doesnt the US carry out drone strikes on TTP targets in Nuristan province of Afghanistan.

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Tareen

Jun 12, 2014 08:44pm

It seems like the opinion about drones has changed after the attacks of Taliban in Pakistan.

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Sultan Rahi

Jun 12, 2014 09:57pm

Once again, US policies to choose only Afghan TAlibans and not Pakistani Talibans is creating a huge wedge between two countries.

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Fiz

Jun 13, 2014 12:32am

Sorry, I have no sympathy with them.

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Zalmai

Jun 13, 2014 03:23am

@Khalid They do, but there are more targets in Pakistan.

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Zalmai

Jun 13, 2014 03:28am

@Sultan Rahi This is the first time drones targeted Haqqani Network commanders, probably

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Mohammad Akhtar

Jun 13, 2014 03:44am

Keep droning taliban all over the globe

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