Security agencies reported that on Sunday evening, they detected suspicious aerial activity believed to involve drones in several sensitive forward locations along both the International Border (IB) and the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir. The incidents were reported from the border districts of Samba, Rajouri, and Poonch, raising fresh security concerns in the region.
According to officials, multiple unidentified flying objects were observed entering Indian airspace from the Pakistan side. These objects reportedly hovered over Indian territory for a short duration before retreating back across the border. The sightings prompted an immediate response from security forces, who initiated extensive ground search operations in all the areas where drone movements were noticed.
In one such incident, Army personnel stationed in the Nowshera sector along the Line of Control in Rajouri district observed suspicious drone activity over the Gania–Kalsian village at approximately 6:35 pm. Reacting swiftly to the potential threat, troops opened fire using both medium and light machine guns in an attempt to neutralize or deter the aerial object. Officials confirmed that the firing was a precautionary measure following standard operational procedures whenever hostile surveillance or supply drones are suspected.
Around the same time, another drone-like object was spotted in the Teryath area of Rajouri district, hovering above Khabbar village. Witnesses and officials noted that the object had a blinking light, a feature commonly associated with reconnaissance or payload-carrying drones. The drone was reportedly seen entering from the direction of Dharmsal village in the Kalakote area and moving towards Bharakh before disappearing from view.
In the Samba district, a similar incident was reported later in the evening. Around 7:15 pm, security personnel noticed a drone-like object hovering over Chak Babral village in the Ramgarh sector. The object remained airborne for several minutes and displayed a blinking light, which further increased suspicion. Given the proximity of the village to the International Border, authorities treated the incident as a serious security concern.
Meanwhile, another unidentified flying object was observed in the Mankote sector of Poonch district along the Line of Control. Officials said the object was seen around 6:25 pm moving from the direction of Tain village towards Topa. As with the other sightings, the drone appeared briefly before retreating, suggesting a possible reconnaissance mission rather than a prolonged operation.
Following all these incidents, security forces intensified surveillance and launched coordinated search operations across the affected areas to check for any dropped materials, weapons, or infiltration attempts. However, no immediate recovery linked directly to Sunday’s sightings was reported by officials at the time.
The latest drone activity has caused heightened alertness among security agencies, particularly because it follows a recent recovery of arms allegedly delivered by a Pakistan-origin drone. Just a few days earlier, on Friday night, security forces intercepted an arms consignment in Paloora village of Ghagwal area near the International Border in Samba district. Officials said the weapons were suspected to have been dropped by a drone that crossed over from Pakistan.
The recovered cache included two pistols, three magazines, 16 rounds of ammunition, and one grenade. The discovery reinforced concerns that drones are increasingly being used to smuggle weapons and explosives into Indian territory to support militant activities. Officials stated that such drone intrusions, though often brief, pose a significant threat to border security and are closely monitored. Enhanced counter-drone measures, including radar surveillance, night-vision equipment, and rapid response protocols, have been put in place to deal with these emerging challenges. Security agencies continue to remain on high alert, especially in vulnerable border sectors, as investigations into the latest sightings and earlier recoveries are ongoing.
