A suspected Pakistan-origin drone was sighted along the International Border in Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday morning. The incident triggered an extensive search operation by security forces in the area.

Officials reported that the drone-like object was seen hovering over forward villages in the Bobiyan area of Hiranagar sector at around 10.35 am. After a few minutes, the suspected drone was observed receding towards Pakistan, raising concerns about possible cross-border activity.

Following the sighting, security forces swiftly cordoned off the area and launched a search operation. The primary objective was to rule out the possibility of any payload, such as narcotics or weapons, being airdropped in the vicinity. The operation was carried out thoroughly across the forward villages.

Officials confirmed that nothing objectionable was recovered during the searches. Despite this, the incident has heightened vigilance along the border, as drones have increasingly been used in recent years for smuggling contraband and conducting reconnaissance missions.

The sighting underscores the persistent threat posed by unmanned aerial systems in border regions. Security agencies remain alert to the possibility of drones being deployed for espionage or to facilitate cross-border smuggling networks. Anti-drone programs have been intensified in Jammu and Kashmir, with electronic surveillance and rapid-response teams deployed to counter such incursions.

This latest episode adds to a series of drone-related incidents reported along the International Border in Kathua and adjoining districts. It highlights the evolving tactics of cross-border elements and the need for continued technological upgrades in counter-drone measures to safeguard national security.

PTI