Drones Spotted Near LoC in Poonch; Security Forces Launch Search Operation

Mendhar/Jammu, Aug 25: Security forces on Monday began a search operation after nearly half-a-dozen drones from Pakistan were spotted flying over forward areas along the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district.

The drones were detected around 9:15 p.m. on Sunday over Balakote, Langote, and Gursai Nallah in the Mendhar sector. Officials said they appeared to be conducting surveillance, flew at high altitude, and returned to the Pakistani side within five minutes.

With daylight, the area was cordoned off and searches launched to rule out any weapon or narcotics drops. Drone-based smuggling has become a growing concern in recent years, and authorities have previously announced a ₹3 lakh reward for information leading to the recovery of drone-dropped consignments.