Mendhar/Jammu, August 25, 2025 : Security forces have launched a massive search operation after nearly half-a-dozen drones from Pakistan were spotted hovering over forward areas along the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district late Sunday night, officials said.
The drones were detected around 9:15 pm over Balakote, Langote and Gursai Nallah in Mendhar sector. Believed to be used for surveillance, they returned to the Pakistani side within five minutes, officials added.
With the first light of Monday, security forces cordoned off the suspected zones to rule out any weapon or narcotics drop. The use of drones for smuggling arms and contraband has posed a major challenge in recent years.
In view of the threat, police last year announced a cash reward of ₹3 lakh for credible information about drone sightings that lead to recovery of dropped material.
