NAYPYIDAW, Myanmar — February 20, 2026

A Myanmar National Airlines (MNA) passenger plane preparing to depart from Myitkyina Airport in Kachin State to Mandalay was attacked on the night of February 20. According to a statement released by the government's information team, the attack was carried out by a coalition of Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and People's Defense Force (PDF) insurgent groups using First-Person View (FPV) suicide drones.

The drone strike caused minor shrapnel damage to the nose, mid-fuselage, and tail sections of the ATR-72-600 commercial aircraft. Security forces promptly intervened, evacuating passengers and crew members to safety and providing necessary emergency assistance. Authorities confirmed that there were no casualties or injuries among the travelers and airline staff.

The incident occurred at approximately 8:12 p.m. on Friday. The aircraft was actively boarding passengers and finalizing preparations for its scheduled departure to Mandalay when the KIA and PDF coalition launched the FPV suicide drone attack.

The official press release emphasized that the intentional targeting of a civilian airline—an entity entirely unrelated to military operations and essential for public transportation and the efficient flow of goods—constitutes a War Crime under the Geneva Conventions and international law.

Relevant authorities issued a strong warning that security forces are currently conducting necessary area clearance and security operations, adding that an effective and severe response will be carried out in retaliation for the attack.

(Reporting by knl/ymg)