7 hrs ago
Pakistan Expands LoC Drone Activity Amid Infiltration Pressure
Indian officials say Pakistan has been sending more drones near the Line of Control.
They believe the drones watch where Indian soldiers are positioned.
The drones may also carry weapons and ammunition into Jammu and Kashmir.
Officials say this could help militants plan crossings into India.
They link the activity to unsuccessful attempts to send militants across the border by other methods.
Protests in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir are also said to be making those efforts harder.
Indian forces fired at drones seen near Rajouri in August, and the drones moved away.
Officials expect continued drone use, although one statement says the frequency may not increase further.
Indian security agencies have reported increased Pakistani drone sightings along the Line of Control in recent weeks.
Officials say the drones are being used to monitor Indian troop movements and support attempted infiltration into Jammu and Kashmir.
Security forces believe some drones are also delivering pistols, grenades, carbines, sticky bombs, arms and ammunition to local militant networks.
The reported activity follows the failure of conventional infiltration methods and continuing protests in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, officials said.
Indian forces fired at suspected drones during an August incident in Rajouri, forcing them to retreat; officials differ on whether activity will increase further.
- Who
- Indian security agencies and officials attribute the drone activity to Pakistan and its Inter-Services Intelligence agency, with militant groups seeking action in Jammu and Kashmir.
- What
- Drones are reportedly being used for surveillance, possible attacks, infiltration support and the delivery of weapons and ammunition.
- Where
- Along the Line of Control, particularly forward sectors and infiltration points in Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri district.
- When
- The increased sightings were reported in the last couple of weeks; a major related search operation followed a sighting in August.
- Why
- Officials say conventional infiltration methods have failed, militant groups are under pressure to act, and drones can provide troop information and equip local networks.
Key facts
- Reported activity
- Increased drone sightings along the Line of Control in recent weeks
- Primary alleged uses
- Monitoring Indian troop movements, supporting infiltration and delivering weapons
- August response
- Indian forces fired at suspected drones near Rajouri, forcing them to retreat
- Reported drone types
- Medium Altitude Long Endurance drones and Turkey-made Bayraktar TB2 platforms
- Reported weapons
- Pistols, magnetic sticky bombs, M4 carbines, grenades, arms and ammunition
- Other affected area
- Punjab has experienced drone-linked smuggling of narcotics, arms and ammunition
- Reported constraint
- Officials say protests in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and failed conventional methods are hindering infiltration
Sources
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