Multiple suspected Pakistani drones spotted near Jammu and Kashmir border, security forces on high alert

Officials told India Today that at least five drone movements were observed in forward areas, prompting extensive ground search operations to rule out the possibility of arms, ammunition or contraband being dropped on the Indian side.

According to officials, all the flying objects were seen entering Indian airspace from across the border, hovering briefly over sensitive areas before retreating towards Pakistan.

In Rajouri district, a drone with blinking lights was spotted at around 6.35 pm, entering from Dharmsal village in the Kalakote area and moving towards Bharakh, officials told NDTV.

Another drone-like object was seen hovering for a few minutes over Chak Babral village in the Ramgarh sector of Samba district at around 7.15 pm, officials said.

In Poonch district, a similar object was detected moving from Tain towards Topa in the Mankote sector along the LoC at around 6.25 pm, the report added.

Security agencies have intensified surveillance in the affected areas, while search operations continue on the ground.

Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor

Tourism in Jammu and Kashmir had been witnessing a steady revival following the revocation of Article 370 in 2019, but the recovery suffered a major setback on April 22, when terrorists attacked tourists in the Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam, reportedly targeting victims based on religious identity.

India responded in May with Operation Sindoor, carrying out strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and inside Pakistan. Islamabad retaliated with missile and drone attacks, pushing the region close to escalation.

While intense diplomatic efforts eventually helped defuse the crisis, the episode once again underscored the fragile security situation and enduring volatility along the India-Pakistan border.