Pakistani Drones Spotted In Rajouri Along LoC, Indian Army Opens Fire

Rajouri: Two days after multiple suspected drones were sighted in Jammu and Kashmir, another set of suspected Pakistani drones were spotted along the Line of Control (LoC) in Rajouri district on Tuesday. According to reports, the Indian Army opened fire on the drones hovering over the Doonga Gali area of the Keri sector in Rajouri on Tuesday evening, leading to heightened alertness among security forces in the region. 

According to the sources, the drones, believed to be from across the border, were spotted over Dheri Dhara village around 7.35 pm, prompting the security forces to activate counter-drone measures, forcing the drones to retreat to Pakistani territory. The drones, which were flying at a low altitude, were also seen hovering over Gania-Kalsian village around 6.35 pm.

The Indian Army's immediate response forced the drones to retreat. "At around 7:28 pm yesterday, there was a movement of drones at the border. Our Indian Army forces retaliated against it. The drones crossed from here. There was extensive firing in the areas of Jangarh and Kalal. Our armed forces were absolutely alert. We thank our army that because of them, we are sitting here peacefully," said a local resident.

Following the incident, the security forces have intensified monitoring along the border, and efforts are underway to track down any possible infiltrators. The back to back movement of suspected drones along the LoC comes amid heightened tensions, following an encounter between security forces and terrorists in Jammu's Kathua district earlier.

Earlier in the day, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi warned Pakistan of severe consequences for any misadventure, citing the successes of Operation Sindoor, launched to target terror hubs in Pakistan. He clearly asserted that the operation is still ongoing, sending a strong message to Pakistan to cease its support for terrorist activities. "They must have received a negative response. They would have seen that, as of today, there is no such place, no such gap from where terrorists can be pushed in," he said, adding that Pakistan's drone activity is unacceptable and must be stopped.

The Indian Army chief's statement has been conveyed to Pakistan's military authorities, with a clear message that India will not tolerate any further provocations.

Series Of Drone Incursions

The recent surge in drone activity along the LoC has stirred concerns about Pakistan's intentions. Earlier, on January 12, suspected drones were spotted at multiple locations along the LoC and International Border (IB) in Jammu and Kashmir, prompting security forces to activate counter-drone measures. The drones were seen moving from Tain towards Topa in the Mankote sector of Poonch district and over Khabbar village in Rajouri's Teryath.

According to defence sources, the Indian Army has implemented counter-Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) measures to counter the drone threat. "These drones are likely being used to test India's defensive posture rather than carry out an immediate hostile operation," General Dwivedi said, adding that Pakistan had been told to control drone intrusions.

Security Forces On High Alert

The security forces have been placed on high alert, with intensified surveillance and patrolling along the LoC and IB. "Since May 10, the situation along the Western Front and J&K remains sensitive but firmly under control. In 2025, 31 terrorists were eliminated, of which 65 per cent were Pakistan origin, including the three perpetrators of the Pahalgam attack neutralised in Operation Mahadev," General Dwivedi said, emphasising India's resolve to tackle terrorism.

Meanwhile, security forces are engaged in a cordon-and-search operation in the Najote forest area of Kathua's Billawar, following information about suspected terrorist movement. The intermittent firing was reported after security forces launched a search operation, and efforts are on to track down the ultras. Following the incident, additional troops have been deployed in the area.