Security forces in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) launched extensive search operations on Sunday evening after spotting multiple suspected drones along the International Border (IB) and Line of Control (LoC) in the Samba, Rajouri, and Poonch districts. According to officials, the drones were observed entering Indian airspace from the Pakistani side, hovering over the territory for a few minutes before returning. The increased drone activity has prompted security agencies to heighten vigilance and implement standard operating procedures.
The sightings occurred in several forward areas. Around 6:35 pm, army troops in the Nowshera sector along the LoC in Rajouri fired at a drone over Gania-Kalsian village. Simultaneously, another drone was spotted in Khabbar village, also in the Teryath area of Rajouri district. This particular flying object, equipped with a blinking light, appeared to originate from Dharmsal village in Kalakote and then moved towards Bharakh.
In Samba district, a drone-like object with a blinking light was seen hovering over Chak Babral village in the Ramgarh sector at approximately 7:15 pm. Another drone-like object was observed moving from Tain towards Topa in the Mankote sector, located along the LoC in the Poonch district, at around 6:25 pm. Indian armed forces undertook counter-unmanned aerial systems measures, after which the drones went back.
Following these sightings, joint search operations involving the Army, police, and other security agencies were initiated across the affected areas. The goal of these operations is to ensure that no arms or contraband were dropped on the Indian side. Officials have stated that the searches continued late into the night as a precautionary measure.
These recent incidents follow the recovery of an arms consignment in Paloora village of Ghagwal near the IB in Samba district on Friday night. The consignment, believed to have been dropped by a drone originating from Pakistan, included two pistols, three magazines, 16 rounds of ammunition, and a grenade. This recovery has heightened concerns about the use of drones for cross-border smuggling and potential infiltration attempts. Security agencies are on high alert and have activated standard operating procedures, including alerting troops in nearby posts and launching coordinated searches in suspected drop zones.
