Mendhar/Jammu, Aug 29: Security forces launched a search operation along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district after a drone suspected to have originated from Pakistan was spotted over forward areas, officials said on Saturday.
The drone was reportedly sighted late Friday evening near Behrooti village in the Balakote area of Mendhar sector. According to officials, it was seen moving towards the Mangalnar-Dabrote area close to the border before returning towards Pakistan.
Following the sighting, Army personnel deployed along the LoC stepped up surveillance and began a search operation at first light to ascertain whether the drone had dropped or carried any suspicious material.
The search operation was continuing on Saturday, with security forces maintaining heightened alert along the border areas, officials said.
Meanwhile, police, Army and paramilitary personnel have also intensified search operations across the forested areas of Udhampur, Kathua and Rajouri districts following reports of suspicious movement.
Officials said a joint search operation was conducted in Khuban, Nagain, Khtrail, Godu Falal, Padetar, Chor Mottu, Kia, Kheba, Bhed, Marta, Joffar and adjoining areas of the Udhampur-Kathua forest belt on Friday evening. The operation was continuing as security forces combed the densely forested terrain.
In Rajouri district, another search operation was launched in Gaibas, Mithiyani, Mogla and Narla after villagers reported seeing two suspected armed individuals believed to be terrorists.
Security forces have so far not established any contact with the suspected persons, officials said, adding that search operations and surveillance measures remain in place.
