Multiple Drones Sighted in J&K’s Rajouri After Army Chief Warns Pakistan

Security forces in Jammu and Kashmir were placed on high alert after multiple drones were sighted near the Line of Control (LoC) in the Rajouri sector, just hours after a strong warning was issued to Pakistan by the Indian Army Chief over unmanned aerial vehicle intrusions.

According to official sources, at least two drones were detected hovering close to the LoC in Rajouri on Tuesday evening. Indian Army units deployed in the area immediately activated countermeasures and opened fire to neutralise the suspected aerial threats. The drones were reportedly spotted near the Dungala–Nabla belt, a sensitive forward area along the LoC that has witnessed repeated infiltration attempts in the past.

In a separate incident, another drone was sighted in the Thandi Kassi area of Rajouri district, prompting authorities to sound a high alert across the region. Security agencies have launched extensive search operations in border villages and forested areas near the LoC in Rajouri and adjoining Poonch district to rule out the possibility of arms, ammunition, or narcotics being dropped.

The area remains under continuous surveillance, with additional troops deployed and aerial monitoring intensified. Officials said standard operating procedures were followed and ground forces remain fully prepared to respond to any further provocation.

The latest drone sightings come against the backdrop of intensified counter-terror operations across the western sector. In Kathua, anti-terror operations have been stepped up in the forest belt of Billawar. An encounter broke out earlier on Tuesday when security forces exchanged fire with suspected terrorists for around 15 minutes. While firing has since ceased, a tight cordon remains in place, and search operations are set to resume to prevent militant escape.

Officials pointed out that the incidents follow a troubling pattern. Just two days earlier, multiple suspected Pakistani drones were observed along both the International Border and the LoC in Samba, Rajouri, and Poonch districts. At least five drone movements were reported in forward areas, triggering widespread ground searches and security reviews. Authorities said the drones briefly entered Indian airspace, hovered over sensitive locations, and then retreated towards Pakistan.

Earlier in the day, General Upendra Dwivedi had issued a clear warning to Pakistan, stating that such UAV activity along the LoC was “not acceptable.” Addressing a press conference, the Army Chief confirmed that Director General of Military Operations-level talks were held with Pakistan, during which India strongly raised concerns over repeated drone intrusions.

General Dwivedi emphasised that the Indian Army remains fully alert and prepared to counter any misadventure. He noted that while terrorist-initiated activities have shown a decline, Pakistan continues to sponsor cross-border terrorism. Referring to the security situation after the Pahalgam attack, he said the western front required constant vigilance and that Operation Sindoor remains ongoing as part of a broader reset strategy.

Security agencies have reiterated that any attempt to violate Indian airspace or destabilise the region will be met with firm and decisive action. The repeated drone sightings have reinforced concerns over cross-border threats, keeping the western frontier on edge.