Pakistani Drone Spotted Near Ghagwal in Jammu & Kashmir; Army Launches Search Operation

Tension along the India–Pakistan border intensified on Friday night after a Pakistani drone was spotted hovering over the Ghagwal area in Jammu & Kashmir’s Samba district. The sighting comes amid heightened security following the Pahalgam terror attack and the subsequent ‘Operation Sindoor’.

Drone Detected Near International Border

According to officials quoted by PTI, the drone originated from Pakistan’s Chak Bhura post and entered Indian airspace late at night. It hovered for several minutes over Rigal village in the Ghagwal sector before returning to the Pakistani side.

Following the sighting, the Indian Army and security forces immediately launched a search operation in the suspected drop zone to verify whether any payload—such as narcotics, weapons, or explosives—had been air-dropped.

Security Forces on High Alert Along the LoC

In the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor, security forces along the International Border (IB) and the Line of Control (LoC) remain on maximum alert. Every movement from the Pakistani side is being closely monitored.

Officials say Pakistan often attempts infiltration and other hostile activities during winter months, taking advantage of fog and reduced visibility. However, forces have successfully foiled several infiltration attempts in recent weeks.

BSF Intensifies Anti-Drone Measures

The Border Security Force (BSF), responsible for guarding India’s borders, has been actively sensitizing residents of border-area villages about drone threats. Locals have been advised to immediately inform the BSF or local police if they spot any suspicious aerial object.

Earlier incidents in July had prompted the BSF to deploy anti-drone systems in sensitive sectors, enabling security forces to detect and neutralize hostile drones attempting to drop weapons or contraband.

As investigations continue, security agencies believe Pakistan may be attempting to revive cross-border smuggling and infiltration channels using unmanned aerial platforms.