🚨 High Alert on LoC: Indian Army Repels Suspected Pakistani Drone Intrusions in Rajouri-Nowshera
Security forces thwart aerial incursions amid heightened vigil ahead of Republic Day
By State Correspondents News Desk | January 12, 2026 | Jammu
Tension gripped the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri and Naushera sectors late Sunday as Indian Army personnel detected and engaged multiple suspected drones originating from Pakistan, firing machine guns to force them back.
Security forces observed drone activity across several forward locations, including Gania-Kalsian village in Nowshera around 6:35 PM, Khabbar village in Teryath area of Rajouri, and other spots near Samba and Poonch districts. Troops swiftly responded with light and medium machine guns (LMGs and MMGs), compelling the blinking-light objects to retreat after brief hovers over Indian territory.
- Nowshera Sector (Rajouri): Drone sighted over Gania-Kalsian at 6:35 PM; Army opened heavy fire.
- Teryath Area (Rajouri): Another drone near Khabbar village from Dharmsal direction.
- Samba (Ramgarh): Hovering object over Chak Babral at 7:15 PM.
- Poonch (Mankote): Movement from Tain to Topa at 6:25 PM.
Post-incident, comprehensive ground searches were launched in affected villages to check for possible airdrops of arms, ammunition, or narcotics—a recurring tactic by adversaries. This follows a recent recovery of pistols, magazines, rounds, and a grenade from a drone drop in Samba’s Paloora village on Friday.
Defence sources confirmed the intrusions align with Pakistan’s pattern of using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for reconnaissance and smuggling, especially amid Republic Day preparations. Counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) measures remain active, with no casualties reported.
Earlier, suspicious satellite phone signals near Kanachak triggered joint operations by J&K Police, BSF, CRPF, and Army, underscoring sustained border vigilance.
