Alleged Indian drone strikes hit ULFA-I and NSCN-K camps in Myanmar, killing top commanders in a covert operation amid rising regional tensions.
- Multiple reports indicate a large-scale drone offensive—claimed to be carried out by Indian forces—against insurgent camps belonging to ULFA‑I and NSCN‑K inside Myanmar’s Sagaing Region, near the India–Myanmar border.
- These operations reportedly struck key ULFA‑I locations, including Hoyat Basti (Eastern Command HQ) and Waktham Basti (779 Camp), as well as several NSCN‑K bases.
- Witness accounts suggest a significant deployment—some unofficial sources claim 100 to 300 drones, purportedly Israeli and French, were used in the early hours of July .
Casualties & Targeted Commanders
- ULFA‑I confirmed the death of its Supreme Council leader, Lieutenant General Nayan Medhi (Nayan Asom), during the drone strike.
- A subsequent missile attack—allegedly during his cremation—reportedly killed senior commanders Brig. Ganesh Asom and Col. Pradip Asom, while injuring cadres and civilians.
- The group stated that approximately 19 insurgents were injured in the initial drone assault Hindustan Times.
Official Denials & Attribution
- Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma similarly clarified that neither the Assam Police nor the state forces had any role.
- Some reports suggest the strikes were undertaken by a covert agency, not the Army, and may have been executed in coordination with the Myanmar military.
Strategic Context & Significance
- The raids signpost a major escalation in India’s counter-insurgency tactics, using drone-based operations against insurgent havens in Myanmar.
- Historically, India has targeted camps beyond its borders (e.g., 2015’s Operation Hot Pursuit, Operation Sunrise in 2019) to degrade militant infrastructure.
- ULFA‑I and NSCN‑K have long exploited the dense forest cover of Sagaing for sanctuary and logistical support, allegedly with backing from China.
Verification Status & Caveats
- ULFA’s claims remain unverified by independent sources or official confirmation beyond the group’s statements.
- The scale of the drone deployment (100–300 drones) and the number of fatalities/injuries cannot yet be corroborated.
- Without official acknowledgement from the Indian government or Myanmar authorities, critical details—such as the actor responsible and level of coordination—remain unclear.
What to Watch Next
- Will either government (India or Myanmar) release statements confirming or clarifying the operation?
- Independent verification from on-the-ground or third-party sources (media, NGOs, or international observers).
- Strategic repercussions, possibly impacting India–Myanmar military cooperation and wider regional security dynamics.
Bottom Line
While ULFA‑I’s communications confirm a multi-pronged drone and missile attack killing key leaders and injuring cadres, official agencies in India have denied involvement, and neutral reporting is absent. If validated, these strikes reflect a bold new phase in India’s counter-insurgent campaign—deploying technology-led, cross-border pressure to dismantle militant sanctuaries.
