In a cross-border offensive that was carried out by the Indian Army, four camps of the United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA-I) in Myanmar on July 13.
Reports have said that the ULFA's Lieutenant General Nayan Asom, a senior commander in the outfit's military wing, may be one of the casualties of the operation. Reportedly, 100 drones were used in the attack that targeted the camp base.
Media reports quoted a source saying that the drone attack by the Indian Army allegedly killed several cadres of the camps. Reports further said that self-styled Colonel of ULFA-I Ganesh Lahon alias Ganesh Axom was also killed in the drone attack.
While some reports spoke of a drone attack on the camps, some other reports say that after the drone attack, the Indian Army Public Relations Officer (PRO) was contacted, who then responded, stating that they do not have any inputs regarding such an operation carried out by the Indian Army.
According to CNN-News18, India launched the high-precision cross-border drone strike in Myanmar's Sagaing Region between 2 AM and 4 AM IST on July 13, targeting insurgent camps deep inside the Naga Self-Administered Zone.
The strikes reportedly hit key installations of ULFA-I, including its Eastern Command headquarters at Hoyat Basti and the 779 Camp at Waktham Basti. Camps belonging to other insurgent groups such as NSCN-K, PLA, and RPF were also struck.
ULFA-I commander Nayan Medhi, alias Nayan Asom, was killed in the initial assault, while senior leaders Brigadier Ganesh Asom and Colonel Pradip Asom were eliminated in a follow-up strike during Medhi’s funeral.
The group has confirmed three senior cadre deaths and over 19 injuries, and has declared India an aggressor, thus also vowing retaliation. The operation is believed to have used advanced Israeli and French-made combat UAVs in what is being seen as India’s first deployment of mass drone swarms for cross-border counter-insurgency.
While there is no official statement from the Indian Army or Assam Rifles, sources suggest the mission may have been carried out with coordination from Myanmar’s military junta.
The targets were located in regions reportedly secured by China-linked private security firms guarding BRI projects, highlighting the complex geopolitical environment. The multi-layered strikes mirror India’s earlier 2015 Myanmar raids, CNN-News18 reported.
Reportedly, this air raid is being seen as one of the most significant strikes by Indian forces in recent times against insurgent infrastructure operating from across the border.
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