Suspected Pakistani drone launches search operation along Poonch barrier

The drone was spotted in Behrooti village of Balakote in Mendhar sector. Image for illustration only | Photo credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto

A drone suspected to be from Pakistan was spotted hovering over forward areas along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district, prompting security forces to launch a search operation in the area early Saturday, officials said.

The drone was spotted in Behrooti village of Balakote in Mendhar sector late on Friday (August 28, 2026) evening and moved towards Mangalnar-Dabrote near the border before returning to Pakistan, officials said.

They said army troops guarding the arrival intensified surveillance and launched a search operation at first light to see if she had dropped or carried any suspicious material.

Officials further said the search operation was still ongoing, adding that security forces remained on high alert along the border.

At the same time, the police, along with the army and paramilitary forces, engaged in a massive search operation in the sprawling forested districts of Udhampur, Kathua and Rajouri following information about suspicious movement, they added.

According to officials, a joint search operation was conducted in Khuban, Nagain, Khtrail, Godu Falal, Padetar, Chor Mottu, Kia, Kheba, Bhed, Marta, Joffar and adjoining areas in the Udhampur-Kathua forest belt on Friday (August 28) evening and is still ongoing.

In Rajouri, another search operation was launched at Gaibas, Mithiyani, Mogla and Narla after villagers informed about the movement of two suspected armed persons who are believed to be terrorists.

Officials said they have not yet been in contact with any suspects.

Published – 29 Aug 2026 10:31 IST