Fragments of the Indian Army drone after crash-landing in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. (Photo: X/@War_Analysts)
New Delhi: An Indian Army small drone (unmanned aerial vehicle/UAV) crossed the line of control (LoC) from Jammu & Kashmir’s Rajouri sector while on a surveillance mission and landed in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on Friday morning. The incident, which occurred around 9.25am, has prompted both nations to engage in talks to address the situation.
Talking to reporters, an Army spokesman said, “At 9.25am, a mini-UAV on a training (euphemism for surveillance) mission well within the Indian territory lost control due to a technical malfunction and drifted into the Nikial sector of Pakistan opposite our Bhimber Gali sector. Media reports have also said Pakistani troops have recovered the same. A hotline message has been sent to the Pakistan Army to return the said UAV.”
However, Pakistani media quoting the country’s military sources reported that the drone was shot down after it crossed Pakistan-control airspace.
The Pakistan Army confirmed the recovery of the drone and highlighted the importance of maintaining peace and stability along the border. “The drone was recovered by our forces, and we are in communication with the Indian side to resolve the matter amicably,” a Pakistani military official stated.
WA Alert ⚡ Indian UAV Crosses Line of Control - Nakyal Sector
— War analyst (@War_Analysts) August 23, 2024
An Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) belonging to the Indian forces crossed the Line of Control (LOC) from Peer Kalanjar and subsequently disappeared into the forests near the village of Sritanghal, Tehsil Nakyal,… pic.twitter.com/O6LpFuIYhq
The official also mentioned that such incidents underscore the need for robust mechanisms to prevent misunderstandings and maintain peace along the LoC.
It may be noted that both India and Pakistan deploy drones for surveillance along the 3,323-kilometre international border and 740-kilometre LoC separating the two countries. However, since last year, Indian security agencies, including the Army, have intensified their aerial surveillance, mostly through drones, and tightened their intelligence network in the Jammu region following an unprecedented spike in militant ambushes on security personnel resulting in several casualties.
In the last three months alone, 18 security personnel have been killed in action against militants. Most of the security personnel killed were Army men, including several officers. Most of the militants involved in the attacks are reported to have come across the LoC after being trained and equipped by the Pakistan military.
