The military government in Myanmar has claimed to have thwarted an attack – Photo: Reuters
Myanmar: The pro-democracy central opposition party in Myanmar has said that its armed wing attempted a drone attack on military headquarters and an airport in Naypyidaw, while the military government has claimed to have destroyed more than a dozen drones.
According to Al Jazeera’s report, the military government’s state TV channel reported that 13 drones flying over Myanmar’s capital were shot down and the attack was thwarted, with no casualties or financial losses reported.
It was stated in the statement that the attack aimed at destroying important installations in Naypyidaw by terrorists has been thwarted.
The military government has not clearly stated the target of the attack, but videos released show 9 drones, some of which were destroyed, with explosives installed in 4 of the 13 drones.
The National Unity Government (NUG) of Myanmar and the armed opposition group People’s Defense Force have taken responsibility for this and have planned organized attacks on military headquarters and air bases.
An official from the NUG stated that the drone attack was successful because it diverted the attention of the military and showed that their generals would have to hide now.
NUG spokesperson Kaiyo Zaw did not elaborate on the target of the attack but said that the military government is putting pressure on recruitment and becoming a source of fear among civilians.
They said that with this attack on their center, they want to make it clear that they have no safe place now.
NUG’s permanent secretary Naing Htun Oo told the party’s media channel in an interview that Army Chief Min Aung Hlaing’s residence was targeted and 30 drones were used.
He said that they have spent millions of dollars on the defense system including air and that this is the place where the military council believed attacks could not take place.
It should be noted that in February 2021, the military in Myanmar had removed the popularly elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi and took over, which had led to peaceful protests throughout the country, which were suppressed through the worst measures and security forces killed hundreds of civilians, leading to armed resistance and civil war in the country.