New Delhi: Security forces in Jammu and Kashmir launched coordinated ground and aerial operations after a satellite phone signal and multiple suspected drone sightings raised concerns of a possible infiltration attempt near the International Border in the Jammu sector.
Officials said several drone like flying objects were detected on Sunday evening at different locations along the Line of Control and the International Border. Army units responded immediately by opening fire in sensitive areas and activating counter unmanned aerial system measures. Following these actions, the suspected aerial objects were observed returning towards the other side of the border.
The first drone like object was sighted at around 6.25 pm moving from the Tain area towards Topa in the Mankote sector of Poonch district. About ten minutes later, another object was noticed near Khabbar village in the Teryath area of Rajouri district, accompanied by a blinking light seen moving from Dharmsal village in the Kalakote region towards Bharakh. A third suspected drone hovered briefly over Chak Babral village in the Ramgarh sector of Samba district at around 7.15 pm before disappearing.
Earlier in the day, intelligence inputs had already placed security agencies on alert. Satellite phone activity was detected in the Kanachak area at approximately 3.30 am. The location lies barely a few kilometres from the International Border and is considered a known infiltration and coordination corridor. The detection of the satellite signal was followed hours later by the drone sightings, strengthening concerns of a possible coordinated hostile attempt.
Security agencies believe the satellite communication may have been used to activate or guide assets from across the border. The timing and movement pattern of the drone in the Tain Mankote to Topa axis is being examined as a possible reconnaissance or delivery run.
A joint search and verification operation has been launched involving the Army, Border Security Force, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and Special Operations Group. Forces have intensified area domination, technical signal analysis, and ground level searches to rule out the presence of infiltrators or dropped payloads.
Authorities remain on high alert, particularly in border and high altitude areas, as investigations continue to assess the intent and scale of the suspected activity.
