Irrawaddy-Nov 6
Myanmar’s military shot down three resistance drones targeting junta boss Min Aung Hlaing as he boarded a plane at Naypyitaw International Airport on Tuesday. A delegation led by the junta boss gathered at the VIP terminal of the airport’s military air base in the morning before leaving for China to attend the 8th Greater Mekong Subregion Summit (GMS) in Kumming, Yunnan Province, according to state media. In the evening, the regime said its air defenses managed to intercept three improvised fixed-wing drones targeting “important buildings and departments” in Lewe Township, where the airport is located. Air defense forces found the three drones armed with bombs near the villages of Kyaung Yay, Kyan Khin Su, and Nanoon Ai respectively, it added. Kyaung Yay is around 3 km south of the VIP terminal and Kyan Khin Su 3 km north. The resistance group that planned the drone attack declined to reveal details when contacted by The Irrawaddy.
Some pro-junta Telegram channels reported that a blast occurred near the airport’s runway at 8:20 a.m. on Tuesday and regime forces found another improvised bomb in the area, saying it was an attempt to assassinate Min Aung Hlaing. In early September, the military dictator also narrowly escaped artillery attacks by Karenni resistance groups during a visit to the Karenni (Kayah) State capital Loikaw. At the time, bombs hit the Loikaw while Min Aung Hlaing and his entourage were preparing to leave in two choppers from Loikaw Airport. In early April, PDF groups under the command of civilian National Unity Government (NUG) used 28 improvised drones to target the junta chief’s residence, his military headquarters, and the junta air base at Naypyitaw International Airport. Read more at:
https://www.irrawaddy.com/
