Security forces along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir have intensified surveillance after an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) from Pakistan was detected over the Poonch district on Friday evening.
According to Army sources cited by news agency ANI, the UAV was detected at around 8.05 pm. It was spotted hovering over the general area of Behrooti village in Balakote, in Poonch’s Mendhar sector, which falls under the operational area of the 22 Jammu and Kashmir Rifles (22 JAK RIF).
Drone tracked towards Mangalnar-Dabrote
Security personnel tracked the UAV as it moved towards the Mangalnar-Dabrote axis near the border before turning back towards Pakistan.
Following the sighting, troops immediately reported the aerial intrusion and placed the forward sector under heightened aerial and ground surveillance.
A search operation was launched at first light on Saturday across adjoining forward areas to determine whether the drone had dropped any weapons, explosives or other contraband.
Security forces continue to maintain close watch along the border, with further official details awaited.
Drone sightings add to border concerns
The latest incident comes amid heightened security along the India-Pakistan border and follows several suspected drone sightings in Jammu and Kashmir in recent weeks.
Earlier this month, security forces conducted searches in forward villages of Kathua district after a suspected Pakistani drone was reportedly spotted over the International Border. The BSF and Jammu and Kashmir Police searched the area for any weapons, explosives or other material that may have been dropped from the UAV.
A suspected Pakistani drone was also spotted in Rajouri’s Sunderbani sector last month. Security forces subsequently carried out a search operation but did not find anything suspicious.
In June, Army personnel opened fire after spotting a Pakistani drone over forward posts in the Balakote sector of Poonch. The UAV was forced to retreat towards Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
Turkish military flights raise fresh questions
The latest drone incident comes days after an unusual increase in Turkish military transport flights to Pakistan raising concerns in Indian defence circles.
Open-source flight trackers recorded increased movement of Turkish C-130 Hercules and A400M military transport aircraft between August 19 and 21. The aircraft reportedly landed at Pakistani air bases including Nur Khan, Masroor and Murid.
The increased air activity led to speculation that the flights could have transported military equipment, including unmanned aerial systems and air-defence equipment. However, neither Turkey nor Pakistan has officially confirmed what cargo, if any, was carried on the flights.
Search operations continue across three districts
Separately, security forces have stepped up search operations in the forested areas of Udhampur, Kathua and Rajouri following reports of suspicious movement, news agency PTI reported. In Rajouri, searches were launched in Gaibas, Mithiyani, Mogla and Narla after villagers reported seeing two suspected armed men believed to be terrorists.
Officials said no contact had been established with any suspected individuals so far.
The latest drone sighting in Poonch comes as security forces maintain heightened vigilance across Jammu and Kashmir’s forward areas, particularly along the LoC, amid continuing concerns over cross-border aerial activity and possible attempts to smuggle weapons or other material.
