Myanmar's anti-coup forces declare 'victory' in Naypyidaw drone strike

The anti-coup factions in Myanmar launched a drone strike on military targets in Naypyidaw, the private capital constructed by a previous military administration.

The National Unity Government (NUG), comprising ousted elected officials from February 2021 coup, confirmed that its People’s Defence Force carried out a coordinated attack on key sites within the city on Thursday (April 4), which serves as a stronghold for the armed forces.

“This was a accomplishment. This drone attack was long-range and a stronger attack than normal. We have plans to do more,” NUG spokesperson Kyaw Zaw said.

Add WION as a Preferred Source

“With attack on Naypyidaw, their nerve center, junta is instilling fear among the masses. We want to highlight that they don’t have a safe place,” Zaw further added.

The military regime said it destroyed or seized more than a dozen drones.

The military-run Myawaddy TV reported, no casualties or damage to property with 13 fixed-wing drones were shot down.

Myawaddy TV did not identify the targets, were but broadcast an image showcasing nine small drones, some of which were damaged and of the 13 drones, four carried explosives.

Myanmar was pushed into crisis when Senior General Min Aung Hlaing seized power from elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi, claiming without evidence that there had been widespread fraud in the election that returned her to office in a landslide.

Mass protests erupted, and when the military responded with brutal force, some civilians took up arms, joining forces with ethnic armed groups that had been fighting the military for decades.

The military, facing Western sanctions but backed by Russia, has come under intense pressure since last October after coalition of anti-coup armed groups launched an unexpected offensive, seizing control of multiple military outposts and key towns in the north and west.

More than 2.8 million people have been displaced as a result of the fighting, while more than 18 million people are in dire need of humanitarian assistance, according to the United Nations.

What is the National Unity Government?

NUG is an alliance of anti-junta groups formed to undermine army rule after a 2021 coup, in which Aung San Suu Kyi was ousted. She is still in prison.

NUG said that the "simultaneously executed, coordinated drone attacks" were carried out by its armed affiliate, the People's Defence Forces (PDF), on the military's headquarters and an air force base.

"This was a success. This drone attack was long-range and a stronger attack than normal. We have plans to do more," NUG spokesperson Kyaw Zaw said.

"This is a time when the junta is forcing conscription and causing fear for the people. With this attack on their nerve centre, Naypyitaw, we want to highlight that they don't have a safe place," Zaw added.

(With inputs from agencies)