The military council launched an attack using suicide drones near the residence of General Saw Johnny, Commander-in-Chief of the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA), located within the Karen National Union (KNU) Brigade 7 territory. According to KNU sources, while the attack occurred, no casualties or property damage were reported. The incident took place at approximately 3:00 AM on March 18, when three suicide drones launched by military council forces struck near the Commander-in-Chief’s residence within Brigade 7 territory.
According to KNU sources, three consecutive drone bombs exploded with such force that the ground shook from the impact. The first bomb exploded near the waterfront, while the second detonated near a football field. Sources noted that the explosive power of these attacks has increased compared to previous incidents. The military council forces specifically targeted the KNU Brigade 7 headquarters with these suicide drone attacks. The attack appears to be a retaliatory measure following the successful capture of the military council’s Pulutoo camp in Paingkyon Township within KNU Brigade 7 territory by KNLA-led allied forces on March 14.
The KNU sources have analyzed that this drone attack represents an escalation in the military council’s aggressive response to territorial losses. The military council has increasingly resorted to hostile actions against civilians and ethnic armed organizations, apparently driven by frustration over their continuing losses of territory and strategic positions. This pattern of retaliation through aerial attacks demonstrates the military council’s willingness to target both military and civilian areas, raising concerns about the safety of local populations in conflict zones.
