Security forces on Sunday opened fire and activated counter-drone measures after suspected drones-like objects from across the border were spotted at multiple locations along the Line of Control (LoC) and the International Border (IB) in Jammu and Kashmir.

According to defence officials, asuspected drone-like object was seen moving from Tain towards Topa in the Mankote sector in Poonch district at 6:25 pm. A second drone was noticed at Khabbar village in Teryath in Rajouri district at 6.35 pm, with a blinking light observed from Dharmsal village in Kalakote towards Bharakh.

Another drone-like object with a blinking light was seen hovering for a few minutes over Chak Babral village in Ramgarh sector of Samba around 7:15 pm

Army and security forces immediately deployed Counter-Unmanned Aerial System (Counter-UAS) measures following which the suspected drones were seen returning to the other side of the border. Searches are currently underway in the affected areas.

Earlier today, security forces launched a massive search operation in the Kanachak area near the International Border after intelligence agencies intercepted a satellite phone communication by suspected terrorists. Officials said the communication was traced to a satellite device.

The joint operation involved the Special Operations Group of the Jammu and Kashmir Police, the Border Security Force, the Central Reserve Police Force and the Army. Kanachak, located barely one kilometre from the International Border on the outskirts of Jammu, has previously been used as an infiltration route by terrorists.

Authorities said the entire area has been cordoned off and search operations have been intensified across Jammu, including high-altitude regions, to track down nearly three dozen terrorists believed to be active in the region.

Source: News18