Myitkyina airport drone attack causes travel disruptions
190
Phyo (NP News)- February 14
It has been learned that in Kachin State, joint forces of the KIA and PDF attempted to attack Myitkyina Airport on February 12 using suicide drones, resulting in the cancellation of flights and causing local travelers to face difficulties.
KIA and PDF groups attacked Myitkyina Airport and surrounding areas in Panmati Ward, Myitkyina, Kachin State, using FPV suicide drones on the morning of February 12. Air security forces were able to intercept the drones after they were detected by air defense systems.
It is reported that due to the successful interception, the drones did not fall and explode inside the airport. Instead, they crashed onto the runway and nearby ground areas. Security personnel carried out operations to safely neutralize the explosive devices attached to the drones in order to ensure public safety.
Although there were no injuries to people or damage to buildings as a result of the attack, all flights were cancelled due to security concerns. Myitkyina Airport is currently a key air transport route relied upon by the public for travel to Yangon and Mandalay, given the existing transportation conditions.
“Even though it lasted only one day, all flights had to be cancelled. Among the affected passengers were critically ill patients, travelers with international flight bookings, patients who had to be transferred to Mandalay because local hospitals could not treat them, and many others with urgent needs,” the source stated.
The people are suffering due to the unprovoked attacks on public buildings by armed groups.
The above-mentioned source also expressed his concern, saying, “Yesterday, flights had to be halted, and because of this, there could have been people who were seriously harmed or even killed due to various circumstances. When armed groups clash with each other, civilians are often the ones who end up caught in the crossfire.”
The KIA and PDF affiliates are reportedly carrying out attacks on infrastructure, roads, bridges, schools, and hospitals by detonating mines, firing rockets from a distance, and dropping bombs using drones to undermine the government's governance mechanism and disrupt regional peace and stability.
It is reported that targeting an airport, which is a major hub for public transportation and cargo, constitutes a war crime under the Geneva Convention and international law, and that the perpetrators are being investigated in coordination with civilians. –