Pakistani drone enters Indian airspace over Kathua, triggering search operation

A Pakistani drone briefly entered Indian airspace over Kathua district in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday, triggering a search operation before retreating across the border, as security forces intensified anti-terror operations in the region. The drone was spotted hovering over villages in the Hiranagar sector at around 2 pm, prompting Border Security Force personnel to activate counter-drone measures. Following the intrusion, a joint search operation was launched to check for any dropped weapons or explosives, while separate cordon-and-search operations were conducted in Poonch district based on intelligence about suspected militant movement. The developments occur amid heightened India-Pakistan tensions, with India's Ministry of External Affairs stating it would take all necessary measures to protect national interests following reports of Pakistan deploying Chinese-made artillery guns opposite Indian positions. An old mortar shell was also recovered from a house in Kathua and safely disposed of.