Myanmar airport shut after rebel drone attack
Thursday's apparent drone raid was a rare acknowledgement of a rebel attack in one of Myanmar's large urban areas.
Mandalay airport, a key hub for both civilian and military flights in central Myanmar, was shut down for two days after a drone attack on Thursday. The military-backed government blamed pro-democracy rebels, who lobbed six suicide drones at the airport, causing no injuries but disrupting flight schedules. The attack occurred at some distance from the airport building, but the airport was closed "protectively" pending further investigation.
A second security officer confirmed the airport would remain closed until Sunday, citing necessary maintenance. Myanmar's ongoing civil war, which began in 2021 when the military staged a coup and ousted Aung San Suu Kyi's government, has seen both sides increasingly employing drones. The military, armed with Chinese and Russian-made jets, has played a crucial role in defending against rebel factions, though it has also been accused of targeting civilians.
Analysts note that the use of drones has added a new dimension to the conflict, with the toll on civilians potentially reaching over 100,000.
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- Myanmar airport shut after rebel drone attack freemalaysiatoday.com
