Latest news with #WingLoongII
India.com
4 days ago
- Politics
- India.com
From OGWs to UAVs: Kashmir Under Watch As Drones Replace Terror Operatives In Pakistan, ISI's New Game Plan
A recent intelligence report has revealed that Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) has significantly altered its tactics in Jammu and Kashmir, replacing traditional Overground Workers (OGWs) with advanced drone-based operations to support terrorism. This shift is seen as a direct response to the Indian security forces' sustained crackdown on the human terror network since 2020. OGWs Replaced By Drones The arrest of nearly 1,000 OGWs by Indian forces in Jammu and Kashmir since 2020 has severely weakened Pakistan's human intelligence and logistics network in the region. In response, ISI and terror outfits such as Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) have adopted drone technology to conduct surveillance, smuggle weapons, and support infiltration. OGW Tasks Reduced Traditionally, OGWs were responsible for surveillance, smuggling arms, and local coordination. Now, drones equipped with high-resolution cameras and night vision handle up to 80% of these tasks, significantly reducing the need for human handlers. OGWs have been relegated to limited roles, mainly in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Weapon Drops Drones like DJI Mavic 3, Phantom 4, and modified Chinese Wing Loong II have been deployed to monitor Indian border posts in Rajouri, Poonch, Kishtwar, and Kupwara. They stream live video to handlers in PoK. Armed drones carrying 5–20 kg payloads frequently drop AK-47s, grenades, IEDs, and narcotics across the border. Between 2023 and 2025, over 200 such consignments were intercepted in Punjab and Jammu. Infiltration & Reconnaissance Drones are now being used to guide small terror groups (3–5 operatives) to safely cross the Line of Control (LoC) by avoiding Indian Army patrols using GPS and real-time imaging. Intelligence inputs confirm drone use in mapping high-altitude infiltration routes, including during an ISI meeting in Muzaffarabad in May 2025. PoK-Based Workshops The drones used include modified commercial models costing $1,000–2,000 with extended-range batteries and encrypted communication, as well as military-grade UAVs like the Wing Loong II (range: 1,500 km) and possibly Bayraktar TB2s. Intelligence suggests Pakistan-based workshops, supported by ISI, are producing 3D-printed drones costing $500–1,500, used for smuggling and surveillance. Over 1,000 drone flights were recorded along the international border and LoC in 2024–2025 alone. Challenges Remain In 2024, Punjab Police and BSF intercepted 75 drones, recovering 150 kg of heroin, 50 AK-47s, and 200 grenades. In June 2025, a drone carrying 5 kg of RDX was intercepted in Rajouri. India has since deployed an anti-drone system using radar, RF jammers, and lasers, with around 70% effectiveness. However, drones flying under 100 meters or using thermal cloaking reduce detection rates by up to 40%. Infiltration Surge According to intelligence, drone-supported infiltration has increased by 20% in 2025, with 50–60 terrorists entering Jammu and Kashmir. These drones enable terrorists to operate in remote areas like Pir Panjal and Shamsabari forests for weeks without support, as seen in recent encounters in Kishtwar and Rajouri. Terrorists are being trained in drone operations in PoK-based camps in Kotli and Rawalkot, with parts reportedly sourced from China. Despite mounting evidence, Pakistan continues to deny involvement, blaming 'non-state actors' for drone-based activities. Strategic Implications Experts warn that drones have become a cost-effective, low-risk alternative to human operatives. The rugged terrain, forest cover, and altitude advantages of the region give drones an upper hand, making it harder for security forces to intercept every flight. With over 20 drone launch sites near the LoC in PoK, the threat is evolving into a persistent, high-tech security challenge for India.
News18
02-05-2025
- Politics
- News18
‘Ties With Terrorists, India As Target': The Notorious Pak Army Brigades Along LoC
Last Updated: "These Pak Army brigades are notorious for collaborating with LeT and JeM. They are also known for mutilations, beheadings, and drone-enabled weapon drops,' say intel sources Pakistan deploys several brigades along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir that work not just for their Army, but also terrorist groups such as the Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), according to intelligence sources. The ties between India and Pakistan are strained in the wake of the April 22 Pahalgam attack. While the 111th infantry brigade is a specialist in coup, 212th is an expert in proxy warfare. 'The 111th's SSG units and the 212th's artillery assets reflect institutional prioritisation of hybrid warfare," said sources. These brigades are notorious for collaborating with the groups for logistics, training, and cover fire. 'They are also known for mutilations, beheadings, and drone-enabled weapon drops," said sources. 'They mix conventional artillery with terrorist infiltration, maintaining plausible deniability for Pakistan. They specialise in hybrid warfare, infiltration, and asymmetric tactics. These brigades reflect Pakistan's state-sponsored terrorism" A look at the key brigades: The Triple-1 brigade, deployed in Keran, Machil, and Tangdhar, is known for overthrowing civilian governments. It facilitated coups by Generals Ayub Khan (1958), Zia-ul-Haq (1977), and Pervez Musharraf (1999). Its proximity to Islamabad and responsibility for securing key installations such as the Prime Minister's residence make them caretaker for quick political takeovers. infiltration and psychological operations like mutilation of soldiers. They are known for the use of Chinese drones such as Wing Loong II to smuggle weapons into Kashmir and coordinate attacks via Ultras. 212TH INFANTRY BRIGADE: PROXY WARFARE EXPERT The brigade oversees sectors such as Battal and Poonch, conducting artillery duels and providing cover fire for infiltrators. It supports the LeT and JeM, notably during the 2019 Pulwama attack. Equipped with Chinese SH-15 howitzers, it is known for targeting Indian posts to distract troops during militant crossings. Both brigades operate under the guidance of the ISI, receiving logistical and intelligence support. 323RD INFANTRY BRIGADE (KERAN SECTOR): PART OF X CORPS FROM RAWALPINDI It manages the Keran sector, which is a hotspot for BAT operations. Also coordinates infiltration routes for groups such as LeT and JeM. It is linked to the 2019 Keran infiltration where BATs attempted to ambush Indian posts under artillery cover. This brigade oversees the Battal sector termed a hot area due to frequent cross-border firing and militant infiltration. It is said to be involved in the 2017 Keri sector ambush where Pakistani troops killed an Indian Major and mutilated soldiers. This brigade controls the Gurez Valley, a critical infiltration corridor near the Kishanganga River. It supports BAT operations with SSG commandos and LeT militants. It is said to have orchestrated the 2018 Gulpur infiltration attempted where terrorists attempted to breach Indian defences using night-vision gear. It manages the Tangdhar sector, a strategic area adjacent to the Neelum Valley. It facilitates drone-dropped weapons and encrypted communication for proxy groups. The brigade has been linked to the 2017 Uri sector ambush where BATs killed two Indian soldiers and mutilated their bodies, said sources. 641 MUJAHID BRIGADE (LEEPA VALLEY): PART OF X CORPS FROM RAWALPINDI It operates in the Leepa Valley, leveraging rugged terrain for covert crossings. The brigade trains militants in guerrilla tactics at camps near Muzaffarabad. It was involved in the 2016 Machil beheading incident where BATs killed and mutilated an Indian soldier, said sources. The brigade collaborates with The Resistance Front (TRF) to stage local resistance attacks. 647 MUJAHID BRIGADE (KUPWARA SECTOR): PART OF X CORPS FROM RAWALPINDI It guards the Kupwara sector, a historical infiltration route for terrorists. The brigade uses SSG commandos to guide terrorists through riverine gaps. Sources said the brigade was responsible for the 2020 Kupwara ambush where three Indian soldiers were killed in a BAT raid. It is also known for embedding terrorists with local populations to evade detection. The brigade is said to be behind the frequent shelling of villages Battal, Keran, disrupting civilian life, causing casualties and displacement. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from geopolitics to diplomacy and global trends. Stay informed with the latest world news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : India-Pakistan ties news18 specials Pahalgam attack Pakistan army Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: May 02, 2025, 13:03 IST News world 'Ties With Terrorists, India As Target': The Notorious Pak Army Brigades Along LoC | Exclusive
