Mandalay airport closed following drone attack by rebels

Mandalay International Airport in Myanmar has been closed for two days following a drone attack on Thursday. Security sources and state media reported that six suicide drones, attributed to the pro-democracy People's Defence Forces, targeted the facility.

While the military-backed government described the airport as a “non-military, public transportation system,” local reports suggested resistance forces were targeting military jet fighters stationed at the site. No casualties or damage to runways or vehicles were reported, but the incident caused significant disruption to flight schedules.

Myanmar Airways International confirmed the suspension of all international flights to and from the airport, with domestic flights being diverted to a nearby facility. The closure is expected to last through September 12. The attack marks a rare instance of rebel activity in a major urban stronghold during the ongoing civil war triggered by the 2021 military coup.