Suspected Pakistani drone spotted in Poonch; security forces on high alert along LoC

Security forces have been put on high alert along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch sector after a drone suspected to be from Pakistan was detected in the area, officials said on Saturday.

The drone was spotted late Friday night by surveillance systems deployed along the border. Following the detection, quick-reaction teams were mobilised and a search operation was launched to ascertain whether the drone had dropped any payload. A senior security official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said no suspicious activity had been found so far, but the alert level remains elevated as a precaution.

Poonch has been a frequent stage for cross-border infiltration attempts and drone activity. In recent years, the Indian security establishment has reported a marked increase in the use of drones by Pakistan-based handlers to drop arms, ammunition, and narcotics across the LoC. The rugged terrain and dense foliage in parts of Poonch make such attempts difficult to detect, prompting the Army to deploy specialised counter-drone systems in vulnerable sectors.

According to defence sources, the drone was detected on radar and its presence was subsequently confirmed by visual observation. The sources said electronic surveillance along the LoC has been strengthened, with additional teams monitoring the airspace. The Army has also coordinated with the Jammu and Kashmir Police and central paramilitary forces to cordon off the likely drop zones.

“We are taking all necessary precautions. The search operation is a routine drill in such cases and will continue until the area is thoroughly sanitised,” said a police officer familiar with the development. He declined to comment on whether any material had been recovered, citing operational reasons.

In the past, the Indian Army has intercepted drones in Poonch and Rajouri, recovering weapons and explosives intended for militant groups. In 2023, a major arms haul was seized in Poonch after a drone was seen hovering near the LoC. The Army has attributed the rise in drone activity to the improved anti-infiltration grid, which makes ground crossing difficult, forcing handlers to resort to aerial delivery.

The detection comes amid a broader review of border security after recent terror attacks in the Jammu region. According to official data, there have been more than 20 drone sightings along the LoC in the last year, with several involving confirmed cross-border launches. In response, the Army has inducted radar systems capable of detecting small drones at low altitudes, as well as jamming equipment intended to disrupt their navigation and control.

Meanwhile, local residents in border villages have been advised to remain vigilant and report any unusual objects or activities to the authorities. Village defence committee members, who are trained to assist security forces, have been put on notice.

The high alert has also led to an increase in patrolling along the entire Poonch sector. Additional bunkers and observation posts have been manned, and night-vision equipment is being used to scan the mountainous terrain. The civilian administration has been asked to maintain a 24-hour watch on movement in the area.

No official statement has been issued by the Pakistani authorities regarding the incident. The Indian establishment has repeatedly raised the issue of cross-border drone activity at diplomatic and military levels, terming it a violation of India's territorial integrity and sovereignty.

The situation remains under control, with security forces fully geared to deal with any eventuality. Further details are awaited as the search operation continues.