Suspected Pakistani drone spotted over LoC in Poonch, search operation launched

A drone suspected to have come from Pakistan was spotted hovering over forward areas along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district, leading security forces to begin a search operation in the area early Saturday, officials said.  

Officials said the drone was first spotted late Friday evening near Behrooti village in the Balakote area, within the Mendhar sector. It then travelled toward the Mangalnar-Dabrote side close to the border, before heading back across into Pakistan.

Troops stationed along the LoC stepped up their watch and launched a search at daybreak to check whether the drone had dropped anything suspicious or was carrying any concerning material, officials said.

They said the search remains active, and security personnel continue to stay alert along the border.

Alongside this, police along with Army and paramilitary units have been carrying out an extensive search across the heavily forested districts of Udhampur, Kathua and Rajouri, after receiving reports of unusual movement in these areas.

According to officials, the combined search covered spots including Khuban, Nagain, Khtrail, Godu Falal, Padetar, Chor Mottu, Kia, Kheba, Bhed, Marta, Joffar and nearby stretches within the Udhampur-Kathua forest region, having begun on Friday evening and still continuing.

Meanwhile, in Rajouri, a separate search was initiated in Gaibas, Mithiyani, Mogla and Narla, after local villagers reported seeing two armed individuals suspected to be terrorists in the area. 

Officials said no contact has been made with any suspected individuals up to this point.  (with inputs from PTI)