4-4-2024 (YANGON) Myanmar’s security forces intercepted and downed seven drones over the military-built capital of Naypyidaw on Thursday, as announced by the junta, marking a rare attack on the regime’s nerve center by its adversaries.
The military’s overthrow of Aung San Suu Kyi’s government in 2021 triggered renewed clashes with ethnic minority armed factions and pro-democracy “People’s Defence Forces” (PDFs) in regions previously unaffected by Myanmar’s long-standing conflicts.
According to a statement from the junta’s information team, four drones approaching Naypyidaw airport and three others heading towards Zayarthiri township in the capital were successfully neutralized.
No casualties or damage were reported, the junta’s statement affirmed.
Following the incident around 10 am local time, Naypyidaw airport briefly suspended operations, disclosed an anonymous source from the airport, emphasizing no casualties occurred.
The source revealed that one of the downed drones was carrying an explosive device, which security forces managed to defuse.
Photographs released by the junta’s information team purportedly depicted the aftermath, showing a damaged fixed-wing drone on the tarmac and debris in a wooded area.
Local media relayed statements from a PDF faction in the vicinity, asserting responsibility for launching drones targeting military installations in Naypyidaw.
The use of commercial drones adapted to carry bombs has become a tactic employed by junta opponents, who find themselves outgunned and outnumbered. These “drop bomb” attacks have inflicted significant damage on military positions, displaced junta troops, and even claimed the life of a brigadier-general near the Chinese border in recent months.
Situated amidst arid scrubland in central Myanmar, Naypyidaw, the vast military-planned city, serves as the headquarters for the military elite and government bureaucrats.
Despite the heavy security presence in the vicinity, the city has remained relatively tranquil compared to the widespread conflict across the nation.
Last week, junta leader Min Aung Hlaing oversaw a military parade in Naypyidaw to commemorate Armed Forces Day. Observers noted a reduction in scale compared to previous years, with no tanks or missile launchers participating in the procession.
As the junta faces territorial losses in border regions, analysts suggest an increasing reliance on air and artillery strikes to bolster beleaguered troops.
