JAMMU: Army personnel opened fire on a Pakistani drone that entered Indian territory across the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district, Jammu and Kashmir, early Wednesday, according to officials.
The drone, detected near the border fence in the Mendhar sector around 1 am, hovered briefly before retreating into Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Troops fired nearly a dozen rounds to neutralize the aerial threat, officials added.
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At daybreak, a comprehensive search operation was launched to ensure the drone did not drop any weapons or contraband, including narcotics, during its brief intrusion. Officials confirmed that the operation was still underway at the time of the latest reports.
Soldier Injured in Landmine Explosion Near LoC
In a separate incident, a soldier sustained severe injuries in a landmine explosion near the LoC in Poonch district on Tuesday.
The 32-year-old soldier was part of a routine patrol in the Krishna Ghati sector when he accidentally stepped on a landmine. The explosion caused critical injuries, and he was swiftly evacuated to a medical facility for treatment, officials stated.
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The forward areas near the LoC are part of an anti-infiltration obstacle system that includes landmines to deter cross-border movement. However, officials noted that heavy rains sometimes dislodge these landmines, leading to accidental detonations.
