Security forces have launched a search operation in the Mendhar sector of the Poonch district following the sighting of multiple drones along the Line of Control (LoC). The increased drone activity has prompted concerns about potential surveillance, airdropped weapons, or narcotics being smuggled into the region.

On the night of August 24, 2025, more than six drones were observed hovering over several forward areas along the LoC. Blinking lights from the suspected unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) were initially spotted in the Balakote-Langote area around 9:15 PM. Shortly after, approximately six drones were seen in the Gursai nallah area around 9:18 PM. According to official sources, the UAVs may have been launched for surveillance purposes, as they were flying at a very high altitude. The devices returned towards Pakistan within five minutes.

In response to the drone sightings, security forces cordoned off the areas and initiated a thorough combing operation early on August 25, 2025. The primary objective of the search is to ensure that no weapons or narcotics were airdropped into the area.

Similar incidents have occurred earlier. For instance, on January 22, 2025, army troops opened fire on a Pakistani drone that crossed the LoC into the Indian side in the Mendhar sector. The drone returned to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) after briefly hovering over the border fence. A search operation was also launched following that incident to prevent the possible airdropping of weapons or narcotics. In another instance, on February 16, 2024, army troops fired at Pakistani quadcopters in the Balnoi-Mendhar and Gulpur sectors of Poonch district. These quadcopters also returned to the Pakistani side after briefly hovering over Indian territory, prompting a search operation.

The repeated sightings of drones from across the border have heightened concerns among security agencies. There is apprehension that Pakistan is using drones to smuggle arms, ammunition, and drugs into India to fuel narco-terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir.

In response to the increasing threat posed by drones, the Jammu and Kashmir Police had announced cash rewards for individuals who provide information about subversive activities involving drones flown from across the border. The rewards range from ₹1 to 5 lakh.