Drone used to drop IEDs at a high-security IAF base in Jammu. Ban imposed in several districts.
Two explosives were dropped at around 1:40 am with six minutes difference on the IAF station in Jammu. The IAF station is one of the highly secured areas. The attack did not cause major damage to aircraft, equipment, or any casualties. One of the explosions had happened on the roof of a building at the station and the other exploded in an open area.
Two air force personnel, Warrant Officer Arvind Singh and Leading Aircraftsman S K Singh were injured. They were administered with first aid.
The air force station is nearest to the international border with Pakistan, which is approximately 15 km. The authorities have not yet ruled out whether the drone was being operated from Pakistan or within Indian territory.
Jammu & Kashmir Director General of Police Dilbag Singh called it a ‘terror attack’ and said they are coordinating with IAF officials & the National investigation agency (NIA) to unravel the plan behind the attack.
The explosions were heard up to one kilometer away and caused some panic among residents of these areas. After the attack, there was an incident where two drones were spotted near a military camp. The army immediately opened fire on the drone but the drone flew away.
Lt col Devender Anand, PRO Defence, said “High alert was sounded and quick reaction teams engaged them with firing. Both the drones flew away. A major threat was thwarted by the alertness and proactive approach of troops. Security forces are on high alert and search operation is in progress”
Following the incident, Authorities in many J&K districts imposed restrictions on the use of drones and other flying objects.
Rahul Yadav, District magistrate, Kathua said. “In current situation to avoid any confusion and to secure the aerial space near the vital installations and highly populated areas, it is a rationale and expedient to regulate the use of any drone/small flying toys/objects to eliminate any risk of injury to the life and property.”
The official asked all the drone owners to registered their drones with assistant commissioner revenue (ACR). and sub-divisional magistrate (SDM). The order also stated that If there is any damage caused due to the mishandling or malfunctioning of the drone then the owner and the operator will be liable for all the damages.
Rajouri District Magistrate, Rajesh Kumar Shavan directed the owners of the drones or any flying objects to deposit with the local police station.
Any government agencies using drones for surveys and surveillance should inform the local police station & executive magistrate.
