Drone Strike in Tajikistan Kills 3 Chinese Workers as Pakistan, Afghan Taliban Trade Veiled Accusations

Incident Overview

A drone strike targeted a gold mine in Tajikistan's remote Khatlon province on November 26, 2025, killing three Chinese workers and injuring one. The attack involved a drone armed with grenades and firearms, according to Tajik authorities.

Regional Tensions

Tajikistan has indicated that the perpetrators were "criminal groups located in the neighbouring country" and accused them of acts aimed at destabilizing the region. While Tajik officials did not directly blame Afghanistan, their remarks pointed to cross-border involvement. The Afghan Taliban government denied responsibility, stating the attack was carried out by a "circle" aiming to create chaos and distrust among regional countries.

Official Responses

Pakistan condemned the attack, expressing solidarity with China and Tajikistan. The Pakistani Foreign Office said, "Pakistan unequivocally condemns this cowardly attack on Chinese nationals. The use of armed drones in the incident underlines the gravity of threat emanating from Afghanistan and the brazenness of those behind it". Afghanistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs offered condolences and promised cooperation, with Hafiz Zia Ahmad, Director of Public Communication for the Taliban Foreign Ministry, assuring Dushanbe of information sharing and technical assistance.

Context and Suspicions

Tajik authorities called on the Taliban administration in Kabul to take action to prevent further incidents, emphasizing the threat posed by cross-border attacks. Analysts suspect that Uyghur militants, such as ETIM/TIP, who operate camps in Afghanistan’s Badakhshan province, may have carried out the attack, as they have previously targeted Chinese projects.

Author's Summary

The drone strike in Tajikistan has intensified regional tensions, with veiled accusations exchanged between Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Tajikistan, highlighting ongoing security challenges and the threat of cross-border militant activity.

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Firstpost Firstpost — 2025-11-29

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