Overview
- Security forces expanded cordons to more than a dozen villages around Najote in Kathua, deploying reinforcements for a multi-agency search.
- After a brief exchange of fire on January 13, officials reported no further contact and said the suspect likely used difficult terrain and darkness to escape, with locals reporting he took food from a shepherd.
- Multiple suspected Pakistani drones were sighted over Rajouri, Poonch and Samba sectors this week, drawing Army fire and counter‑UAS responses that forced the objects to withdraw.
- A 3.5 kg improvised explosive device was recovered during a search in Rajouri’s Manjakote area and was safely detonated by a bomb disposal team.
- Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi issued a formal warning to Pakistan over UAV intrusions as security across the Jammu region was tightened ahead of Republic Day with intensified patrolling and night surveillance.