In a significant security incident, the Indian Army opened fire on a suspected Pakistani drone that was seen hovering along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir. The event occurred on Sunday evening in the sensitive Nowshera sector of Rajouri district.
Drone Intrusion and Immediate Response
According to police sources, the troops stationed along the de facto border engaged the unmanned aerial vehicle as it intruded into Indian airspace. The drone, upon coming under fire, retreated back towards the Pakistani side. This aggressive response underscores the heightened alertness of security forces in the region.
The incident on January 12, 2026, is not an isolated one. Security officials have noted a marked increase in drone intrusion attempts from across the border in Jammu and Kashmir over the past several days. This pattern suggests a concerted effort to test Indian defenses or potentially deliver illicit materials.
Recent Seizures and Heightened Vigilance
This drone sighting follows a major seizure just a day earlier. On Saturday, a joint operation by the Border Security Force (BSF) and the Jammu and Kashmir Police led to the recovery of a consignment of arms and ammunition near the International Border in Samba district.
The seized items included two pistols, three magazines, sixteen rounds of ammunition, and a grenade. Investigative sources believe this cache was air-dropped via a drone originating from Pakistan. The recovery was made after security forces launched extensive searches in Paloora village, Ghagwal area, based on reports of a cross-border drone movement late on Friday night.
In a related development, security forces had also confiscated a small drone in the R S Pura area on Friday. This device is suspected to have been used for surveillance purposes, adding another layer to the emerging threat.
Republic Day Security and Ongoing Operations
With Republic Day celebrations approaching, security across the Jammu region has been intensified. Police and other forces have ramped up combing and search operations and increased the number of vehicle checkpoints (nakas) as part of a comprehensive security blanket.
Meanwhile, in a separate but concurrent operation, security forces have initiated searches in the Kanachak area along the International Border near Jammu. This action was prompted after intelligence agencies intercepted signals from a satellite phone communication, indicating possible clandestine activity.
The series of events—from drone intrusions to weapon seizures and suspicious communications—paint a picture of escalated hybrid threats along the border. The Indian Army and associated security agencies remain on high alert to counter any attempts to disrupt peace, especially in the lead-up to the national celebrations.
