The banned militant group, United Liberation Front of Asom-Independent (ULFA-I), has claimed that three of its top leaders were killed in drone attacks on Sunday, July 13, 2025, by the Indian Army in Myanmar. However, the Indian Army has denied any involvement in such an operation.

According to statements released by ULFA-I, the attacks occurred between 2 am and 4 am on Sunday, targeting several camps along the Indo-Myanmar border. The group alleges that the Indian Army used drones in these attacks, resulting in the death of its self-proclaimed Lieutenant General Nayan Medhi, also known as Nayan Asom, and injuries to 19 others.

In a subsequent statement, ULFA-I claimed that further attacks were carried out during the last rites of Nayan Asom, resulting in the deaths of self-styled Brigadier Ganesh Asom and Colonel Pradip Asom. The group also stated that several officers, cadres, and civilians sustained injuries in these attacks.

The ULFA-I statement, purportedly issued by a self-styled second lieutenant Ishan Asom, warned of retaliation for what it described as a "brutal attack by the colonial nation". The statement further claimed that "occupational forces are continuing the attacks in the areas using fighter jets" and vowed to "take revenge". The outfit claimed that nearly 150 drones, manufactured in Israel and France, were used in the attack. It is important to note that India does not operate any French drones.

In response to these claims, Colonel M.S. Rawat, the Defence Public Relations Officer (PRO) in Guwahati, stated that the Indian Army has no information regarding such an operation. Similarly, two officers posted in Guwahati and Nagaland have denied any knowledge of the alleged attacks. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also denied having information on the incident.

ULFA-I differs from the pro-talks faction of the group and demands the inclusion of a sovereign Assam in any proposed talks. One faction of ULFA laid down arms and signed a peace deal with the Indian government in 2023, while those against talks formed the ULFA-I faction. ULFA-I is one of several insurgent groups in India, seeking independence for the northeastern state of Assam. Another group, the People's Liberation Army (PLA), advocates for the secession of Manipur state.

While separatist attacks have decreased in recent years, violence involving these groups has resulted in thousands of deaths, mostly civilians, over the past three decades.