Suspected Pakistani drone sighting sparks search along Poonch LoC
A suspected Pakistani drone was spotted near the LoC in Poonch, prompting a search operation. Security forces are also conducting searches in Udhampur, Kathua and Rajouri.
Security forces launched a search operation along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district early Saturday after a drone suspected to be from Pakistan was spotted hovering over forward areas.
The drone was first sighted in the Behrooti village area of Balakote in the Mendhar sector late Friday evening. It moved towards the Mangalnar-Dabrote side near the border before returning to Pakistan, officials said.
Army troops guarding the LoC intensified surveillance and began a search operation at first light to determine whether the drone had dropped or carried any suspicious material. The operation was still underway, and security forces remained on heightened alert along the border.
Separately, police, along with Army and paramilitary forces, have been conducting a massive search operation in the forested districts of Udhampur, Kathua and Rajouri following information about suspicious movement.
The joint search operation covered Khuban, Nagain, Khtrail, Godu Falal, Padetar, Chor Mottu, Kia, Kheba, Bhed, Marta, Joffar and adjoining areas in the Udhampur-Kathua forest belt on Friday evening.
In Rajouri, another search operation was launched in Gaibas, Mithiyani, Mogla and Narla after villagers reported the movement of two suspected armed persons, believed to be terrorists.
Officials said there has been no contact with any suspected persons so far.