**Title: Ukrainians in Indian Jail Allegedly Linked to Drone Attack on Myanmar Passenger Plane**
In a significant development, six Ukrainians and one American currently imprisoned in India have been implicated in a drone attack on a civilian aircraft in Myanmar, according to India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA). This information was presented to a Delhi court, where the agency sought permission to interrogate two members of the group, Ukrainian Viktor Kaminskyi and American Matthew VanDyke, in connection with the case.
The seven individuals, described by authorities as mercenaries, were arrested by the NIA in March 2023 while attempting to leave India from various cities. The arrests occurred after the agency received credible intelligence regarding their involvement in the attack on a Myanmar National Airlines aircraft.
On August 19, the NIA informed the court that it had received reliable information indicating that the group was connected to a drone strike on a passenger plane on February 20, 2023. Reports from Burmese media indicated that the drone had struck an ATR-72-600 aircraft as it was preparing for takeoff from Myitkyina Airport, resulting in damage to the aircraft's nose, mid-fuselage, and tail sections. However, it remains unclear whether the NIA's allegations pertain specifically to this incident.
The NIA's investigation revealed that 14 Ukrainians had entered India on tourist visas and traveled to the northeastern state of Assam before moving to Mizoram. They allegedly crossed into Myanmar illegally to conduct training related to drone warfare, operations, assembly, and jamming technology for ethnic armed groups opposing the military government in Myanmar.
The agency has also noted that many of these ethnic groups in Myanmar are known to have connections with certain banned insurgent groups in India, providing them with weapons, military hardware, and training. The NIA claims that the arrested individuals had facilitated the delivery of drone consignments from Europe to various groups in Mizoram.
Furthermore, the NIA stated that the detained mercenaries had confessed to being in contact with “unknown terrorists” armed with AK-47 rifles. The agency is keen to confront Kaminskyi and VanDyke with witness statements to uncover a broader conspiracy and identify other suspects and masterminds involved in the operation.
Data extracted from electronic devices seized from the detainees reportedly contained images, videos, and voice samples that the NIA intends to corroborate through direct questioning.
In response to the allegations, the Ukrainian government has denied any involvement of the Ukrainian state in supporting terrorist activities and has called for the release of its nationals.
Matthew VanDyke, the American in the group, is known as the founder of Sons of Liberty International, an organization that provides military training in conflict zones. He has a history of involvement in various conflicts, including fighting alongside Libyan rebels during the 2011 uprising.
In a separate matter, the court allowed VanDyke special food provisions after he complained that the standard prison meals, described as “spicy and oily,” were detrimental to his health. However, his requests for treatment at a private hospital and communication with family members in the United States were denied.
As the investigation continues, the implications of this case raise concerns about international involvement in conflicts and the potential for cross-border terrorism. The NIA's findings may have significant repercussions for the individuals involved and the geopolitical dynamics in the region.