Onangon: Myanmar security forces shot down seven drones in the military-built capital Naypyidaw on Thursday, in what appeared to be a rare attack on a junta center by junta opponents.
In 2021, the overthrow of Aung San Suu Kyi’s government led to a new war with ethnic minority armed groups, as well as the pro-democracy People’s Defense Forces (PDF) in a region untouched by Myanmar’s decades of conflict.
Four drones headed for Naypyidaw airport and three headed for the capital city of Zayarthiri “were more likely to be shot down and destroyed,” the junta’s intelligence agency said.
No damage or loss.
Naypyidaw airport was temporarily closed after the incident at 10 a.m. local time (0330 GMT), according to a source at the airport who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the media.
The source said there were no deaths after the incident.
They said one of the drones they shot down was carrying an unprotected bomb.
Images released by the Junta’s intelligence agency later showed a suspected winged drone and a piece of debris in the forest.
Local media reported that PDF groups in the area sent drones to military targets in Naypyidaw.
AFP could not reach the group.
Opponents of the junta have turned to commercial drones that are armed and adapted to carry bombs that can have a devastating effect on some military positions.
In recent months, a wave of “bomb” attacks has decimated junta forces across Myanmar, striking a domestic airport and killing a brigadier general near the Chinese border.
This term has even entered the lexicon of the junta-controlled media, which regularly attacks the PDF group designated as “terrorists” by the military.
Naypyidaw, located in the heart of the country’s semi-arid region, is home to high-ranking military brass and government officials.
Because of the insecurity around the city, the city has been relatively quiet due to the destruction in different parts of the country.
Last week, junta leader Min Aung Hlaing oversaw a military parade there to mark Veterans Day.
It is simplified compared to the previous year, said observers, without tanks or rocket launchers.
