Jammu: A suspicious aeroplane-shaped balloon bearing the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) logo was discovered on Sunday in Jammu city, Jammu & Kashmir.
Officials reported that the white and saffron-colored balloon, marked with “PIA” in green, was found in the Nai Basti area. Similar balloons released from across the international border in Pakistan have been repeatedly recovered in border districts such as Jammu, Kathua, and Samba, and occasionally near the Line of Control (LoC) in Rajouri and Poonch.
Terror outfits, allegedly with support from the Pakistani Army, have previously used drones to transport weapons, drugs, and cash to facilitate terrorism in J&K. The Border Security Force (BSF) employs specialized equipment along the international border to detect and neutralize such drones. Many have been recovered before reaching their intended recipients.
A week ago, a similar PIA-branded balloon, green and white in color, was found in Ramgarh, Samba district, by BSF troops stationed at a forward post.
Intelligence agencies believe that while drones serve direct operational purposes for terrorist activities, balloons with Pakistani markings are primarily intended to divert security forces and create public panic.
The context follows heightened tensions after Indian Armed Forces destroyed nine terror infrastructure sites in “Operation Sindoor” on May 7. In retaliation, Pakistan targeted civilian facilities along the LoC and the international border, deploying drones carrying explosives in the Jammu division. Over a dozen drones were also shot down over Srinagar.
Subsequently, India carried out strikes on 11 Pakistani air bases on May 10. New Delhi has warned that any future terror attack on Indian soil will be treated as an act of war.
