AMRITSAR: BSF and Punjab police recovered a suspected Pakistani drone near the India-Pakistan border in Tarn Taran district on May 15. The intelligence inputs enabled the security force to locate and seize the DJI Mavic 3 Classic drone at around 3:30 PM in an area close to Khemkaran, a known infiltration-sensitive zone along the international border.
According to an official press release, the recovery was enabled through an appropriate synchronization between the BSF's Intelligence Wing and local law enforcement. Preliminary investigations indicate that the drone may have suffered a crash after electronic countermeasures deployed by Indian forces detected and neutralized aerial incursions.
This drone is presumed to have flown from across the border and possibly meant for either investigation or ferrying unauthorized items. Although no payload was reported in this case, officials have initiated forensic investigations to understand the exact purpose of use and flight route of the drone.
This is a continuing reminder of the threat posed by cross-border drone activities in Punjab, as they are increasingly being used by hostile elements for smuggling weapons and narcotics or scouting purposes.
The security agencies had assured strict vigilance along the fence. Intensified surveillance and deploying advanced drone detection systems at identified high-risk sectors have been initiated to counter this type of incursion.
Authorities have appealed to residents to report all aerial activity that appears suspicious, as Punjab remains alert due to the continual sighting of drones over the last few months.
[Source Credit: Financial Express]
