A sudden drone attack on a police headquarters in Myawaddy, a major border town in eastern Myanmar, has left at least five officials dead, including a senior army officer and a district administrator. This incident marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict in the region.
Details of the Attack
- The drone strike was executed in two stages on Sunday evening.
- This attack is considered the deadliest aerial bombing targeting high-ranking security and administrative officials since the armed resistance began against the military coup in February 2021.
Victims and Casualties
- Among the deceased are Lt. Col. Aung Kyaw Min, the temporary commander of a battalion based in Myawaddy, and Myawaddy District Administrator Soe Tint.
- Ten other officials are currently receiving treatment in local hospitals, while four have been transferred to a private hospital in Mae Sot, Thailand.
Responsibility Claimed
- Federal Wings, a resistance group that specializes in drone warfare in collaboration with the People’s Defense Force (PDF) and its allies from ethnic Karen armed groups, has claimed responsibility for the attack.
- The group confirmed the death of five individuals, including the battalion commander, in a statement posted on their Facebook page.
Background
- The military coup in February 2021, which ousted the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi, led to the formation of many local armed resistance groups. These groups later organized into the People’s Defense Force (PDF).
- The PDF views itself as the legitimate administrative body of Myanmar and has formed alliances with major ethnic guerrilla groups in border regions.
Warnings and Precautions
- Federal Wings has issued a warning to civil servants and their families to evacuate government offices and residences.
- Residents of Myawaddy are advised to maintain a safe distance from official offices and military outposts.
International Implications
- The use of drones by resistance forces, especially for precise attacks on military targets, indicates a shift in warfare tactics.
- The international community will be closely monitoring the situation, given the potential for escalation and its implications for regional stability.
In light of this tragic event, the international community awaits Myanmar’s next steps and the potential repercussions this attack might have on the already tense situation in the country.