Pakistan shoots down quadcopter over LoC as tensions rise
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Tensions soar between nuclear-armed India and Pakistan as fresh LoC clashes and tightened security measures threaten to push the longstanding border crisis into a dangerous new phase.
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Pakistani soldier, left, and an Indian paramilitary soldier, right, stand guard on their sides at the Kartarpur border crossing point, in Kartarpur, Pakistan, Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024. (AP)
Pakistan's Army forces on Tuesday shot down an Indian surveillance quadcopter that violated Pakistan’s airspace along the Line of Control (LoC) in the Manawar sector of Bhimber district,
According to security officials, the quadcopter was attempting to conduct surveillance operations when it was intercepted and downed by Pakistani troops. "The timely action by Pakistan Army thwarted the enemy’s nefarious attempt to spy across the border," sources stated, praising the Army's professionalism, readiness, and defensive preparedness.
Officials emphasized that the Pakistan Army remains fully vigilant and ready to respond promptly to any act of aggression along the border.
Indian authorities have not issued any immediate comment regarding the incident.
Line of control violations spark renewed tensions
The latest interception follows a similar incident earlier this year when Pakistan Army forces shot down an Indian surveillance quadcopter on February 25 after it entered Pakistani territory. According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the quadcopter was taken down at approximately 12:55 pm, and the remains, bearing Indian Army insignia, were recovered a day later.
Such incidents have heightened concerns over Line of Control violations, underscoring persistent tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.
Kashmir security crisis deepens
Tensions have further escalated after a deadly attack on tourists in the Pahalgam area of Indian-administered Kashmir, where gunmen reportedly targeted Hindu visitors, killing 26 people.
India has blamed the assault on militants allegedly linked to Pakistan, a claim Islamabad denies, calling instead for an independent investigation. In response to the attack, India closed more than half of the tourist sites in Kashmir and increased security measures at remaining destinations, according to government documents reviewed by Reuters.
The attack has triggered panic among tourists and reignited calls in India for punitive action against Pakistan, further exacerbating the already volatile situation.
Escalating India-Pakistan clashes and military preparedness
Cross-border firing has intensified along the 740-kilometer de facto border separating Indian- and Pakistani-administered Kashmir. For the fifth consecutive day, Indian forces reported responding to "unprovoked" small arms fire from Pakistani army posts, although no casualties have been reported.
Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif told Reuters that a military incursion by India appeared imminent, prompting Pakistan to reinforce its defensive positions.
The growing border skirmishes, combined with diplomatic confrontations, including India's suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty and Pakistan’s closure of its airspace to Indian airlines, signal a sharp downturn in India-Pakistan relations.
