Myanmar’s Tada-U International Airport in the Mandalay region has been closed for two days after six FPV suicide drones carrying explosives targeted the airport and surrounding areas. The attack took place on Thursday afternoon and caused brief disruptions to some domestic flights.
AFP, citing security sources, reported that the drones were detected before reaching their intended targets. Security forces used air-defence and counter-drone systems to intercept them, while the explosives carried by the drones were subsequently neutralised safely.
The attack did not reportedly result in any casualties or damage to vehicles, airport runways or other major infrastructure. Despite the limited impact, authorities temporarily suspended airport operations as a precaution.
Myanmar authorities condemned the attack and warned that targeting civilian transportation infrastructure could violate international humanitarian law. An investigation has been launched, with security forces working to identify and locate those responsible.
Myanmar’s second-busiest airport will remain closed from Friday, September 11, until September 13, according to security sources cited by AFP. One source said the attack happened away from the airport building, but officials opted to close the facility to ensure safety.
Another security official at a different airport confirmed that the Mandalay facility would remain “closed for maintenance” until Sunday.
The military-backed government has blamed pro-democracy rebels, particularly members of the People’s Defence Forces (PDF), for the attack. The government said the incident targeted an airport that serves as a “non-military, public transportation system.”
