Rocket Attack Reported on Mandalay Military Headquarters Amid Claims Junta Leader Min Aung Hlaing Was Present
In the early morning hours of January 27, resistance-linked channels reported a coordinated rocket attack targeting the Burmese military’s Central Military Command (CMC) in Mandalay—one of the most heavily fortified command centers of the junta. According to claims circulating on public Telegram boards, the attack occurred around 4:30 a.m. and involved multiple resistance groups operating under a joint operation framework.
The posts allege that five 107mm short-range rockets were launched at the CMC complex, with three successfully fired, as part of what was described as “Mission 50” led by Brave Warriors for Myanmar (BWM). Other groups named in the claim include No More Dictatorship (NMD-PDF), Shadow (Mandalay), and Infinity (Ana).
Most notably, the Telegram posts assert—without independent confirmation—that Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, the head of Burma’s military junta, was temporarily staying inside the targeted facility at the time of the attack.
What Is Confirmed—and What Is Not
As of publication, no independent media outlet has confirmed that Min Aung Hlaing was present in the building during the alleged strike. Likewise, there has been no official statement from the military acknowledging damage, casualties, or leadership risk related to the incident.
However, what is verifiable is the pattern described in the claims.
Multiple reputable outlets—including Democratic Voice of Burma (DVB), Myanmar Now, Mizzima, and Radio Free Asia (RFA)—have documented prior rocket attacks on the Mandalay Central Military Command, including operations claimed by Brave Warriors for Myanmar using 107mm rockets. These attacks have frequently occurred within or near the Mandalay Palace compound, where regional military command structures are housed.
In late 2025, DVB reported that resistance forces targeted the Mandalay command headquarters during the junta’s election preparations, with the regime confirming an attack while withholding details. Earlier reports from 2024 similarly documented BWM’s use of short-range rockets against military command facilities in Mandalay, often accompanied by numbered “missions” and post-operation statements.
Strategic Context
Mandalay has emerged as a symbolic and operational focal point in the resistance campaign against the junta. As Burma’s second-largest city and a major military hub, attacks on command facilities carry both tactical and psychological weight—even when damage assessments remain unclear.
Resistance groups have increasingly used stand-off weapons, such as 107mm rockets, to challenge fortified targets without direct engagement. While these weapons are relatively inaccurate compared to guided munitions, their use against high-profile sites signals an intent to demonstrate reach, persistence, and defiance rather than battlefield dominance.
Claims regarding the presence of senior leadership—such as Min Aung Hlaing—are not uncommon in resistance communications. Analysts note that such assertions often aim to amplify pressure on the junta and boost morale among opposition supporters. Without corroboration from independent journalists, satellite imagery, or official schedules placing the junta leader in Mandalay, such claims should be treated cautiously.
Why This Matters
Even without confirmation of leadership presence, reports of another rocket attack on Mandalay’s Central Military Command underscore the continued erosion of the junta’s sense of security, nearly five years after the 2021 coup. The persistence of coordinated operations by multiple resistance groups highlights the junta’s inability to fully suppress armed opposition, particularly in urban centers previously considered secure.
Whether the January 27 incident proves to be a significant escalation or another symbolic strike will depend on forthcoming evidence, official responses, and independent verification. For now, it stands as the latest example of how Burma’s conflict remains dynamic, fragmented, and deeply unstable.
References
Democratic Voice of Burma. (2025, December 28). Resistance group claims rocket attack on Mandalay military command. https://english.dvb.no
Mizzima News. (2024). Anti-junta fighters launch rockets at Mandalay regional command. https://mizzima.com
Myanmar Now. (2024). Military headquarters in Mandalay targeted amid escalating resistance attacks. https://www.myanmar-now.org
Radio Free Asia. (2024). Myanmar resistance groups use rockets in attacks on junta positions. https://www.rfa.org
Telegram public channels (Brave Warriors for Myanmar; NMD-PDF; Shadow Mandalay; Infinity Ana). (2026, January 27). Mission 50 operation claim. Public Telegram Board postings.
