On Sunday morning, July 13, powerful drone attacks were carried out on rebel camps inside Myanmar, near the India-Myanmar border. These camps belonged to the banned groups ULFA-I and NSCN-K, who have long been active in India’s northeast.
ULFA-I claims that the Indian Army used over 100 drones in the strikes, killing some of their top leaders. However, the Indian Army has denied doing any such operation.
This is believed to be one of the biggest attacks on these rebel groups in many years.
ULFA-I, NSCN-K Camps in Myanmar Hit by Drone Attack
In the early hours of Sunday, July 13, the Indian Army reportedly carried out a major drone strike operation targeting rebel camps inside Myanmar.
These camps belonged to two separatist groups—ULFA-I (United Liberation Front of Asom–Independent) and NSCN-K (National Socialist Council of Nagaland–Khaplang).
According to reports and a statement by ULFA-I:
The strikes happened between 2 AM and 4 AM. The operation was carried out with more than 100 drones, allegedly made in Israel and France. Multiple camps near the India-Myanmar border were targeted, especially in the Naga Self-Administered Zone. The strikes were reportedly coordinated with the Myanmar military, although this hasn’t been confirmed officially. ULFA-I's Eastern Command Headquarters (ECHQ) at Hoyat Basti. Another important camp called 779 Camp at Waktham Basti. Two additional camps were also attacked, including those belonging to RPF (Revolutionary People’s Front) and the PLA (People's Liberation Army) from Manipur. ULFA-I said that Lt. Gen. Nayan Medhi (also known as Nayan Asom), a key military leader and strategist, was killed. While his funeral was being held, another missile struck the camp, killing Brigadier Ganesh Asom and Colonel Pradip Asom. At least one senior leader died, and around 19 others were injured. The group claimed that airstrikes are still continuing and promised to take revenge. The Indian Army has denied carrying out the strikes. Assam Police and the state government have also said they were not involved. There has been no official confirmation from the Indian government or the Myanmar military. Rebel groups like ULFA-I and NSCN-K have long used areas across the India-Myanmar border to set up hidden camps. This is the first time in many years that such a large-scale cross-border attack has been reported in this region. A similar operation was last carried out in 2003, when India and Bhutan launched a joint strike against militants in Bhutan. On July 13, a big drone attack reportedly struck rebel camps inside Myanmar. ULFA-I says some of their top leaders were killed, and drones from Israel and France were used. The Indian Army has not confirmed this. If true, it could be an important change in how India handles militancy across its northeast border.
