A drone attack was carried out by the military council forces near the residence of KNLA Commander-in-Chief General Saw Johnny, located within KNU Brigade 7 territory. According to KNU sources, three suicide drones launched by the military council forces at around 3 AM on March 18 exploded near the Commander-in-Chief’s residence, though no casualties or damage to property were reported. The attack was reportedly aimed at the KNU Brigade 7 headquarters, with sources noting that the explosions were more powerful than previous attacks.
During the drone attack, one bomb exploded near a waterfront area and another near a football field, with the explosions causing ground tremors in the surrounding area. KNU sources have analyzed that this attack came as retaliation following the capture of the military council’s Pulutoo camp in Paingkyon Township by KNLA-led allied forces on March 14. Local observers believe the military council launched this attack out of frustration over their camp’s loss, deliberately targeting civilian areas and KNU leadership positions. The increasing use of suicide drones by the military council demonstrates an escalation in their tactical approach against resistance forces and civilian populations in Karen State.
