The military council launched an attack using seven kamikaze drones near the KNU Central Headquarters in KNU Brigade 7 territory of Karen State, according to KNU sources. The attack occurred around midnight on June 11, with five out of the seven suicide drones detonating, though no casualties were reported. The explosions took place near a rice warehouse and the KNU Central Headquarters’ ceremonial hall. This incident marks the third drone attack by the military council on the KNU Central Headquarters, following previous attacks in January 2024 and October 2023.
During the January 31, 2024 attack, two kamikaze drones were used, resulting in one civilian injury. Additionally, on October 22, 2023, at approximately 10 AM, the military council targeted the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) headquarters in Brigade 7 territory with four kamikaze drones. These recurring attacks demonstrate the military council’s escalating use of aerial warfare tactics against ethnic armed organizations and civilian populations in the region. The deployment of suicide drones poses significant risks to civilian safety and regional stability, while the KNU continues to defend its territory while prioritizing civilian protection.
The pattern of these attacks indicates a systematic campaign by the military council to pressure both ethnic armed organizations and civilian populations in areas beyond their control. The use of kamikaze drones represents a concerning development in the conflict, as these weapons can cause significant damage and pose serious risks to civilian infrastructure and lives. The KNU has maintained its position of protecting civilian populations while defending against these increasingly sophisticated attacks, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by ethnic armed organizations in protecting their territories and people from military council aggression.
