Suspected drone drop near LoC in Poonch triggers security alert

Security forces recovered a suspicious consignment along the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district on Thursday, raising fresh concerns over cross-border drone activity in the border belt.

Officials said the recovery was made during a routine patrol in the Chakan Da Bagh area, close to Khari village, after reports of a drone sighting in the early hours of the morning. The seized material included a suspected improvised explosive device (IED), ammunition and narcotics.

Drone sighting leads to search operation

According to police sources, a suspected Pakistani drone was seen hovering near the LoC in the Chakan Da Bagh sector around dawn. Acting swiftly, the Army and police launched a coordinated search operation in the area.

“A suspicious bag was found close to the LoC by an Army patrol,” a police officer said. “The drone is believed to have dropped the consignment near Rangar Nallah in the Chakan Da Bagh area.”

The recovery spot lies close to the sensitive LoC stretch, which has witnessed repeated attempts in recent years to smuggle arms, explosives and drugs using unmanned aerial vehicles.

Suspected IED, bullets and drugs recovered

Preliminary examination of the seized packet revealed a suspected IED along with bullets and narcotics, officials said. The exact nature and quantity of the materials are being verified.

Given the potential threat, a Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS) was immediately called to the site to examine and neutralise any explosive components. Security forces cordoned off the area as a precautionary measure to ensure civilian safety.

Army yet to issue official statement

While the recovery has been confirmed by police sources, the Army has not yet issued an official statement on the incident. Security agencies are treating the matter seriously and further investigations are underway to ascertain the origin and intended destination of the consignment.

Officials said heightened surveillance has been put in place along vulnerable stretches of the LoC in Poonch district following the incident.

Growing concern over drone use along LoC

The use of drones to drop arms, explosives and narcotics along the Line of Control has emerged as a major security challenge in Jammu and Kashmir. Such consignments are often aimed at aiding militancy, disrupting peace and fuelling narco-terror networks.

Security forces have reiterated their commitment to thwarting any such attempts and maintaining strict vigilance along the border.