Search Operations Launched in Samba, Kathua After Suspected Cross-Border Drone Sightings

JAMMU, Jul 25: Security forces on Saturday launched extensive search operations in Jammu and Kashmir’s Samba and Kathua districts after suspected Pakistani drones were spotted near the International Border (IB), officials said. According to officials, an aerial object believed to be a Pakistani drone was detected late Friday night over the forward village of Tarore in the Vijaypur sector of Samba district. Army troops immediately activated counter-drone measures, prompting the suspected drone to retreat across the International Border into Pakistan. In a separate incident, another suspected drone was briefly seen hovering over Chak Nalua village in the Hiranagar sector of Kathua district on Friday evening before disappearing, officials said. Following the sightings, security personnel launched comprehensive search operations at both locations to trace any payloads or other evidence linked to the suspected drone activity. The searches were still underway when the last reports were received.