Dibrugarh: A senior commander of the proscribed outfit United Liberation Front of Assam (Independent), ULFA(I), was reportedly killed and at least 19 others injured in a suspected aerial strike allegedly carried out by Indian security forces along the India–Myanmar border.
According to a press release issued by ULFA(I) on Sunday, the attack began in the early hours of July 13, between 2:00 AM and 4:00 AM, and targeted several of its mobile camps situated along the Nagaland–Myanmar and Arunachal–Myanmar international border regions. The group claimed that over 150 drones—allegedly of Israeli and French origin—were used in the strike, which they described as a surprise aerial offensive.
The outfit confirmed the death of Lieutenant General Nayan Asom, identified as the Honorary President of ULFA(I)’s lower council. While his final rites were reportedly underway, the group claimed that a missile strike followed shortly after, hitting another location and resulting in the deaths of Brigadier Ganesh Asom and Colonel Pradip Asom, two other senior commanders. Several other members, including officers and cadres, were also injured, along with an unspecified number of civilians.
ULFA(I) further alleged that Indian forces have continued the operation using fighter aircraft, and that air raids remain ongoing in specific regions along the border area.
There has been no official confirmation or response from Indian defence or security agencies regarding the alleged drone or missile strikes or the reported casualties. According to India Today NE, when contacted, the Indian Army’s Public Relations Officer (PRO) stated that they do not have any inputs regarding such an operation.
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