Indian security forces foiled multiple Pakistani drone intrusions along the LoC and IB in Jammu and Kashmir, recovering arms, IEDs, and narcotics. Heightened vigilance and joint operations are ongoing amid increased cross-border threats ahead of Republic Day.
New Delhi: Security forces detected multiple suspected Pakistani drones hovering over forward areas along the Line of Control (LoC) and International Border (IB) in Jammu and Kashmir’s Samba, Rajouri, and Poonch districts on Sunday evening. All objects originated from the Pakistan side, hovered briefly over Indian territory, and returned. Ground search operations are underway in the affected areas amid heightened vigilance ahead of Republic Day.
Recent Drone Activity Surge
The sightings follow earlier incidents, including a drone drop in Poonch on January 1 and an arms recovery in Samba on January 9-10. Officials suspect these are part of ongoing cross-border attempts to supply arms, explosives, or narcotics to terror groups. Drone intrusions have increased in winter, exploiting weather conditions.
Key Sightings on January 11
• Nowshera Sector (Rajouri, LoC): Army troops opened fire with medium and light machine guns on a drone over Gania-Kalsian village around 6:35 PM. Another drone was spotted over Khabbar village in Teryath area, moving from Dharmsal (Kalakote) towards Bharakh.
• Mankote Sector (Poonch, LoC): A drone-like object moved from Tain towards Topa at 6:25 PM.
• Ramgarh Sector (Samba, IB): A drone with blinking light hovered for several minutes over Chak Babral village around 7:15 PM.
Security forces launched immediate ground searches in these locations. No recoveries were confirmed by late evening, but operations continue.
Earlier Incidents This Month
• January 1 – Poonch (Khadi Karmada area): A Pakistani drone intruded for over five minutes, dropping a consignment including a 2-kg IED, AK-47 ammunition, explosives, weapons, and narcotics in Chakkan da Bagh (Khari village, between Rangar Nallah and Poonch River). Indian Army and J&K Police recovered the items; the IED was defused by Bomb Disposal Squad. A similar sighting occurred in Phulpur (Samba) but yielded no recoveries.
• January 9-10 – Samba (Paloora village, Ghagwal tehsil): Following intelligence on drone movement from PoK, BSF and SOG recovered a yellow-tape-wrapped packet from a stream bank in Regal forward area. Items included one Glock pistol (with magazine), one Star pistol, three magazines, 16 rounds of 9mm ammunition, and one Chinese grenade. Bomb Disposal Squad opened the packet safely.
These recoveries highlight persistent threats, with operations intensified to prevent disruptions to Republic Day events.
Heightened Security Measures
Additional forces deployed across sensitive border, forest, and interior areas. Surveillance enhanced using drones, aerial equipment, and ground monitoring. Strict checks ongoing in border villages and highways. Intelligence indicates possible terrorist movements in Doda-Kishtwar belt. Army and police sources confirm incidents and commitment to counter state-sponsored threats.
Background on Drone Threats
Pakistan has used drones for dropping weapons, explosives, and narcotics to support terror outfits in J&K. Activity dipped after India’s Operation Sindoor (May 2025), which targeted terror infrastructure and downed numerous drones, but recent spikes noted. Intrusions pose challenges in winter, when infiltration rises, escalating border tensions. Authorities maintain high alert to safeguard national security.
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