Guwahati, July 13: The banned Assam-based militant outfit United Liberation Front of Assam–Independent (ULFA-I) has suffered its biggest blow since its inception in 1979, with air strikes allegedly killing top leaders and injuring more than two dozen cadres.
According to sources, the Indian Army carried out a series of drone strikes on ULFA-I camps located in Myanmar's Arakan and Okiat regions early Sunday morning. The operation reportedly involved nearly 100 drones that targeted the insurgent group's bases with precision strikes.
This marks the first time drone attacks have been launched against ULFA’s Arakan base camps in Myanmar, near Arunachal Pradesh's Changlang district, and the Everest camps in the Okiat region near Nagaland's Mon district.
The assault specifically targeted the Eastern Command Headquarters at Hoyat Basti and the 779 Camp in Waktham Basti.
Army intelligence sources reported that approximately 45 to 50 ULFA cadres were stationed at the Everest camps and 60 to 70 at the Arakan camps. The strikes, lasting 20 to 30 minutes, caused multiple explosions, destroying temporary huts and prompting most cadres to flee the area immediately.
An alert has been sounded regarding possible retaliatory attacks on security forces, particularly the Indian Army and critical installations.
In a press release issued by ULFA-I, the outfit confirmed the deaths of key figures, including Lieutenant General Nayan Asom alias Nayan Medhi (a senior commander and president of the lower council), self-styled Brigadier Ganesh Lahon alias Ganesh Axom, and Colonel Pradip Axom alias Pradip Gogoi.
However, the Indian Army has officially denied any involvement, stating it has no information regarding such an operation at the time of reporting.
Meanwhile, Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma addressed media queries and clarified that the Assam Police had no role in the reported offensive. “The Assam Police is not involved in this incident. There has been no strike from the soil of Assam,” he stated, dismissing speculation about the state’s involvement.
He added, “We need more clarity on the matter. If such an operation has taken place, the Indian Army will issue its own statement. As of now, there is no official communication from the defence establishment.”
If confirmed, this alleged drone strike would represent a significant escalation in India’s counter-insurgency strategy against ULFA-I, reflecting a growing reliance on unmanned aerial platforms for targeted operations deep inside hostile territory.
