A suspected Pakistani unmanned aerial vehicle was detected near the international border in Jammu and Kashmir’s Samba district, leading personnel of the Border Security Force to open fire in an attempt to neutralise the object. Officials said the flying object was noticed moving close to the border, triggering an immediate response in line with established security protocols.
This incident adds to a growing list of recent drone sightings in the Jammu and Kashmir region, some of which have been officially confirmed while others remain under verification. Security agencies have remained on high alert due to the recurring nature of such intrusions along the international border.
Just a day before Republic Day, security forces had detected another drone in the Kathua district. Following that sighting, an intensive search operation was launched in nearby areas to determine the drone’s origin, flight path and possible intent. Officials said the drone was visible for several minutes before disappearing from view, after which troops carried out extensive ground combing operations.
A similar incident was reported earlier on January 15, when a suspected Pakistani drone was spotted again along the international border in Samba. That episode prompted authorities to raise the alert level and activate counter-drone measures in the area as a precaution.
Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi has already stated that India has formally conveyed its concerns to Pakistan over repeated UAV sightings in forward areas. During his annual press conference earlier this month, he said New Delhi had made it clear to Islamabad that such activities are unacceptable, even as Indian forces continue to address security challenges along the western front.
The Army chief also revealed that talks were held at the Director General of Military Operations level, during which India specifically raised the issue of drone movements over Jammu and Kashmir. He emphasised that Pakistan had been told to curb such activities and reiterated that Indian forces remain fully vigilant and prepared to respond to any hostile action.
According to him, the drones spotted recently appear to be relatively small platforms, possibly being used for surveillance to assess Indian troop movements and preparedness. Hours after these remarks, additional suspected Pakistani drones were reportedly sighted over the Rajouri sector and were engaged by Army troops in accordance with standard operating procedures.
