ISLAMABAD: In a significant border security development, Indian Army troopssuccessfully repelled an intrusion attempt by approximately 15 suspectedPakistani drones along the Line of Control in North Kashmir’s Kupwaradistrict on Friday. The drones were detected hovering near the JodhaMakan-Birandori area in the sensitive Keran sector late at night, promptingimmediate response from alert personnel of the 6 Rashtriya Rifles. Troopsopened fire as per standard procedures, compelling the unmanned aerialvehicles to retreat back across the LoC without achieving any apparentobjectives. No injuries, material losses or successful downing of thedrones occurred during the engagement, underscoring the challenges incountering small, agile UAVs in rugged terrain. The incident highlightsescalating concerns over aerial incursions amid strained bilateral ties.
This latest episode occurs against a backdrop of frequent drone sightingsalong the India-Pakistan border in Jammu and Kashmir since early January2026. Military sources indicate that such activities, often attributed toreconnaissance or probing missions, have intensified following previousborder tensions. Indian forces have activated counter-unmanned aerialsystems in multiple sectors, including Samba, Kathua and Rajouri, wheresimilar intrusions led to warning shots and searches for potential airdropsof arms or narcotics. Authorities suspect these drones test defensivepostures and identify vulnerabilities, though most retreat swiftly upondetection and response.
The Keran sector, known for its difficult mountainous landscape andstrategic importance near the LoC, has witnessed heightened vigilance.Troops maintained close monitoring post-incident, with surveillanceintensified across forward areas to prevent further breaches. Officialstatements emphasize that the response was measured and effective inneutralizing the immediate threat without escalation. No officialconfirmation from Pakistani authorities has emerged regarding the drones’origin or purpose, consistent with previous denials in comparable cases.
Broader context reveals a pattern of drone-related alerts in the region,with at least several incidents reported in the preceding weeks. IndianArmy Chief General Upendra Dwivedi recently conveyed strong concerns tocounterparts during Director General of Military Operations-level talks,describing repeated UAV intrusions as unacceptable and demanding cessation.These developments reflect evolving warfare tactics where low-cost dronespose asymmetric challenges to traditional border defenses, prompting bothsides to enhance electronic warfare and detection capabilities.
Security analysts note that such aerial probes contribute to ongoingmistrust, potentially complicating any de-escalation efforts. Indian forcescontinue to prioritize robust countermeasures, including ground patrols andadvanced surveillance, to safeguard territorial integrity along thedisputed frontier.
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Source:https://thenorthlines.com/jk-15-pakistani-drones-cross-loc-retreat-after-army-opens-fire
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