Htet Myat
July 10, 2026
SAGAING, MYANMAR — The Myanmar military junta has launched a severe aerial assault using an attack helicopter and five suicide drones on civilian areas in Sagaing Region, according to local residents.
The unprovoked attack targeted the area between Hman Cho and Ngar Shan villages in Chaung-U Township at approximately 11:00 a.m. on July 10. An Mi-35 attack helicopter fired on the area, followed by five “kamikaze” (suicide) drones deployed from the military’s Northwestern Regional Command base in nearby Monywa. The explosions destroyed three civilian homes.
“There are normal family homes between these two villages. There was no active fighting happening in the area; they just came and bombed us out of nowhere,” a local source explained. “They are bombing us just because they assume local anti-junta defense forces are here. This exact spot has been targeted by heavy drone bombings before.”
Fortunately, villagers received early warnings about the approaching aircraft and were able to seek cover in time, preventing any loss of life. However, the civilians remaining in the area are now living in a state of constant fear and anxiety.
“People were in the village when the aircraft arrived. Once we got the warning, we had to scramble into our bomb shelters,” the local source added. “Because we managed to hide just in time, no one was hurt, but property was destroyed.”
This community has a tragic history with military airstrikes. Just last year, on May 12, 2025, the junta bombed Hman Cho village, killing three local civilians and heavily damaging homes and religious buildings.
