New Delhi: Security forces in Jammu and Kashmir were placed on high alert on Sunday evening after multiple suspected drone-like objects were sighted along the Line of Control and the International Border. The Indian Army responded by opening fire and activating counter drone systems, prompting the aerial objects to retreat back across the border.
According to officials, the first suspected drone was observed around 6.25 pm moving from the Tain area towards Topa in the Mankote sector of Poonch district. Shortly after, another drone-like object was spotted near Khabbar village in the Teryath area of Rajouri district at approximately 6.35 pm. A blinking light was also noticed moving from Dharmsal village in the Kalakote area towards Bharakh, raising further suspicion of aerial surveillance activity.
Later in the evening, around 7.15 pm, a third drone-like object with a blinking light was seen hovering briefly over Chak Babral village in the Ramgarh sector of Samba district. In response, Army units and other security agencies immediately deployed Counter Unmanned Aerial System measures. Following the activation of these systems, the suspected drones were seen withdrawing towards the other side of the border.
Search operations were launched in all the affected areas to rule out the possibility of payload drops or infiltration attempts. Security personnel are conducting ground checks and surveillance to ensure there is no threat to civilian areas.
Earlier in the day, security forces had already initiated a large scale search operation in the Kanachak area near the International Border after intelligence agencies intercepted a satellite phone communication believed to be linked to suspected terrorists. The communication was reportedly traced to a satellite device, prompting swift action.
The joint operation involved teams from the Jammu and Kashmir Police’s Special Operations Group, the Border Security Force, the Central Reserve Police Force, and the Army. Kanachak, located barely one kilometre from the International Border on the outskirts of Jammu, has previously been identified as a vulnerable infiltration route.
Authorities have cordoned off the region and intensified search operations across Jammu, including higher altitude areas. Security agencies are on heightened alert to track down several suspected terrorists believed to be active in the region, as surveillance and counter infiltration efforts continue across the border districts.
