Jammu: Security agencies in Jammu and Kashmir were placed on high alert on Saturday evening after multiple suspected Pakistani drones were detected near the International Border (IB) and the Line of Control (LoC) across Samba, Rajouri and Poonch districts, officials confirmed.
According to officials quoted by India Today, at least five drone movements were observed in forward areas close to the border. The sightings triggered immediate ground search operations to rule out any possible dropping of arms, ammunition, explosives or narcotics on the Indian side.
Suspected Pak drones spotted near the Line of Control (LoC), International Border
Massive search operation launched by security forces @ashraf_wani with more details#LOC #Drones | @anjileeistwal pic.twitter.com/4fgTAOumJq— IndiaToday (@IndiaToday) January 11, 2026
Security sources said the aerial objects were seen entering Indian airspace from across the border, hovering briefly over sensitive locations before retreating back towards Pakistan — a pattern consistent with previous cross-border drone intrusions.
In Rajouri district, a drone with blinking lights was spotted around 6.35 pm after crossing over from Dharmsal village in the Kalakote area and moving towards Bharakh, officials told NDTV.
Another drone-like object was detected hovering for a few minutes over Chak Babral village in the Ramgarh sector of Samba district at approximately 7.15 pm, prompting intensified patrolling in the area.
In Poonch district, a similar object was seen moving from Tain towards Topa in the Mankote sector along the LoC around 6.25 pm, officials said, adding that no recovery had been made so far.
Security agencies have since ramped up aerial and ground surveillance across all vulnerable stretches, while search operations are continuing late into the night.
Border Tensions Resurface After Recent Escalation
The latest drone sightings come amid heightened tensions along the India–Pakistan border following a recent cycle of violence and retaliation.
Tourism in Jammu and Kashmir had been showing signs of recovery after the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. However, the momentum was jolted on April 22 when terrorists attacked tourists in Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam, allegedly targeting victims based on religious identity.
India responded in May with Operation Sindoor, carrying out precision strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and deep inside Pakistani territory. Islamabad retaliated with missile and drone attacks, pushing the region dangerously close to military escalation before diplomatic intervention helped de-escalate the situation.
Security officials say the fresh drone activity underlines the fragile and volatile nature of the border situation, with unmanned aerial vehicles increasingly being used as tools of surveillance, infiltration and hybrid warfare.
Authorities have urged residents in border areas to remain vigilant and report any suspicious objects immediately, even as forces maintain a heightened state of readiness.
