A rare collective drone attack on the embattled junta government in Myanmar’s heavily guarded capital, Nay Pyi Taw, has been claimed by the opposition.
The National Unity Government (NUG), which refers to itself as the government in exile, stated that it had dispatched 29 explosive-laden drones to the army headquarters, air force base, and airport.
The junta reported intercepting and shooting down seven of the drones, one of which detonated on a runway.
They reported that no casualties occurred.
The 2021 coup overthrew the elected civilian government of Myanmar, which the NUG represented.
Subsequently, it and additional opposition factions have been engaged in conflict against the junta regime, which has started to relinquish dominion over significant portions of the nation.
According to the United Nations, the three-year civil conflict in the country has resulted in the deaths of thousands and the displacement of approximately 2.6 million individuals.
The incursion on the capital on Thursday morning signifies a distinct and audacious move by the resistance factions, which are progressively establishing a formidable counteroffensive against the junta.
Nay Pyi Taw served as the administrative and political epicentre of the military regime that proclaimed it the capital after its conquest of Yangon. Due to its strict security, it has been shielded from much of the violence that has raged elsewhere in the nation.
The junta even held its annual Armed Forces Day ceremony in the city last week; however, the occasion transpired at night and showcased tanks, armoured vehicles, and thousands of soldiers.
Representatives of the NUG informed that the drone attacks had been meticulously planned and coordinated with several defence organisations.
Mg Mg Swe, deputy secretary of the NUG, stated, “The synchronised drone operations were executed concurrently against Nay Pyi Taw, targeting both the military headquarters and Alar air base.”
The military shot down four drones at the capital’s airport, and three more were said to have approached Zayarthiri township, according to the military. The officials acknowledged none of the additional drones mentioned by the opposition.
Earlier this year, the NUG reported that resistance forces now control over sixty per cent or more of the country’s territory.
One October before Thursday’s assault, the regime was believed to have endured its most significant setback.
Along the frontier with India and China, dozens of military outposts were overrun by an alliance of ethnic insurgents. Large portions of territory have also been lost by the junta to insurgents along the borders of India and Bangladesh.
The intense combat has compelled the junta to implement compulsory conscription. In February, men and women between the ages of 18 and 35 and 18 and 27 would be required to enlist.
According to observers, the high cost of combat and the enforcement of the law indicate that the junta’s control over the country is waning. Reports have also surfaced regarding elevated rates of defection.
Recently, the Tatmadaw, the military’s official designation, has refrained from disclosing the magnitude of its combat personnel.
However, junta forces possess considerably greater weaponry and more sophisticated firepower than resistance combatant groups.
Researchers assert that as a result, opposition groups have shifted to employing commercial drones equipped with explosives to target military installations. In recent months, numerous “drop bomb” attacks have occurred.
