By Ra Wai / MPA
Myanmar’s National Unity Government (NUG) reports that the military junta is ramping up aerial assaults with affordable drones and paramotors, increasing the threat to opposition forces and civilians.
This shift comes as the junta faces growing financial constraints, making traditional airstrikes with military aircraft less feasible. According to the National Unity Government (NUG), the junta has increasingly relied on cost-effective drone and paramotor attacks, particularly in the Mandalay, Sagaing, and Magway regions.
A Monywa-based activist warned MPA, stating, “I urge officials in both the NUG and resistance military sectors to exercise caution. These airstrikes are happening, first, due to the careless disclosure of sensitive information without military awareness and strategic thinking, and second, because of boastfulness instead of maintaining operational secrecy.”
On Thursday, three resistance fighters were killed in a junta airstrike targeting a meeting of resistance battalions in the No. 1 Brigade operation area of the Karen National Union (KNU) in Kyaikhto Township.
The junta’s air operations typically take place during daylight hours, while civilian targets are more frequently attacked at night and in the early morning. The NUG reports that villages, residential areas, displacement camps, schools, and hospitals have all been targeted.
Citing a report on airstrikes during the second phase of Operation 1027, the NUG stated that the junta utilizes 21 airfields for its aerial assaults. The most frequently used bases include Tada-U Air Base, Meiktila Air Base, Magway Air Base, and Naypyidaw (Ela) Air Base.
With its ground forces weakening, the military has increasingly resorted to widespread airstrikes. In response to the escalating attacks, the NUG has issued a series of public advisories outlining safety measures and protocols for civilians and resistance forces during airstrikes.
Editor – ML
Translator – Alice Wai
