Pakistani drones were once again spotted hovering near the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch and the International Border (IB) in Samba districts of Jammu & Kashmir on Thursday evening. The Indian Army swiftly activated its anti-unmanned aerial systems in response to these incursions. This incident marks the third such occurrence within the last five. Days, highlighting a persistent pattern of aerial intrusions from across the border.
Escalating Drone Activity Near the Border
According to army sources, the drones were detected during routine surveillance operations on Thursday. One suspicious drone was observed near an LoC post in Poonch, while another similar sighting was reported along the International Border in the Ramgarh sector of Samba. Following these incidents, Indian troops stationed along the Pakistan border have been placed on high alert, and surveillance measures have been intensified. The increasing frequency of these drone sightings has raised significant concerns among security agencies, as these unmanned aerial vehicles could potentially be used for reconnaissance, infiltration, or facilitating illegal activities.
Recap of Prior Incidents
This latest incident is the third time drones have been spotted in the region. Within a span of five days, underscoring the gravity of the situation at the border. Earlier, on January 13, two suspicious Pakistani drones were observed twice in Jammu & Kashmir’s Rajouri district. On that occasion, the army had also opened fire, compelling the drones to retreat towards Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK). These repeated incidents clearly indicate Pakistan's continuous attempts to conduct drone activities within Indian. Territory, likely with the objective of reconnoitering Indian security installations or delivering supplies to militants.
Simultaneous Drone Incursions on January 11
Prior to the January 13 incidents, on January 11, a total of five drones were simultaneously spotted across multiple sectors, including Naushera, Dharamsal, Reasi, Samba, and Mankote in Poonch. The widespread nature and frequency of these incursions have compelled security forces to further enhance surveillance and vigilance along the LoC, while such consistent occurrences suggest a coordinated strategy by Pakistan to deploy drones into Indian territory, necessitating continuous upgrades to India's defense systems to counter these evolving threats.
IED Recovery Adds to Security Concerns
Adding to the security concerns, earlier on Thursday, security forces recovered a suspected Improvised Explosive Device (IED) weighing approximately 3 kg in Kakora village of Rajouri district during an anti-terror operation. This recovery was made based on intelligence inputs. A bomb disposal squad promptly arrived at the scene, examined the IED, and safely neutralized it. A potential link between the continuous drone activity and the recovery of such explosives can't. Be ruled out, raising fears that drones might be used to transport these dangerous devices.
Suspected Motives Behind Persistent Drone Incursions
Security agencies suspect that Pakistan is utilizing these drones to facilitate infiltration or to drop weapons and narcotics across the border. According to a report by news agency PTI, on January 11, troops deployed in Rajouri’s Naushera sector spotted a drone over Gania-Kalsian village around 6:35 PM, subsequently opening fire with medium and light machine guns. Similarly, another drone was observed around 6:35 PM in Khabbar village of Teriath, Rajouri, which originated from Kalakote’s Dharamsal village and proceeded towards Bharkh.
Drone Activity in Samba and Poonch
On the same day, January 11, a drone-like object was seen hovering for. A few minutes over Chak Babral village in Samba’s Ramgarh sector around 7:15 PM. In Poonch, another drone-like object was observed moving from Tain to Topa in the Mankote sector around 6:25 PM. These simultaneous incidents across different locations on a single day suggest a large-scale. Surveillance or supply operation from across the border, indicating a sophisticated and coordinated effort.
Significant Weapon Cache Recovery on January 9th
Further evidence of drone-assisted illicit activities emerged on January 9, when a consignment of weapons was recovered in Palura village, Ghagwal, near the International Border in Samba. This cache was reportedly dropped by a Pakistani drone and included. Two pistols, three magazines, 16 rounds of ammunition, and one grenade. This incident provides concrete proof of drones being used for smuggling arms and ammunition, further intensifying the concerns of the security forces.
Heightened Vigilance Ahead of Republic Day
With the upcoming Republic Day celebrations, security agencies across the country are already on high alert. In light of these continuous drone activities, security agencies suspect that these unmanned aerial vehicles are being employed either to gather intelligence on army positions along the border or to deliver weapons and narcotics to terrorists operating within Indian territory. Indian security forces remain fully prepared to counter these challenges and are maintaining strict vigilance on every suspicious activity along the border. Surveillance and alertness along the LoC and International Border have been further strengthened to thwart any nefarious designs.
