yadaya, archives, the irrawaddy

Myanmar’s military leader Min Aung Hlaing narrowly escaped a rocket strike in Mandalay last month, according to military sources, in what resistance fighters claim was a targeted attack on the junta boss.

The incident took place in the early hours of 27 January at the Central Military Command inside Mandalay Palace. Sources say Min Aung Hlaing had stayed overnight to prepare for a yadaya ritual—a traditional ceremony believed to ward off misfortune—dressed in Burmese royal regalia and planning to enter the palace at an astrologically chosen time.

Resistance group Brave Warriors for Myanmar later claimed responsibility, saying its fighters fired improvised 107-mm rockets at the compound after receiving a tip-off about the general’s presence. The group reported three successful detonations and injuries among officers, though the junta leader himself was unharmed.

Following the attack, Min Aung Hlaing disappeared from public view for a week, fuelling speculation about his condition and even rumours of his death. He resurfaced on 3 February, meeting Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu, and days later appeared at Yangon University to collect an honorary doctorate.

The episode highlights both the vulnerability of Myanmar’s top general and the growing boldness of resistance forces nearly five years into the country’s civil conflict. It also underscores the junta’s reliance on superstition: military leaders are known for turning to astrology, numerology and rituals in times of crisis. Min Aung Hlaing himself has long been associated with the monk Vasipake Sayadaw, believed to advise him on spiritual practices and even military tactics.

With the regime’s proxy party claiming victory in the recent election, Min Aung Hlaing is widely tipped to pursue the presidency. But the rocket attack in Mandalay serves as a reminder that, despite his ritual attempts to secure fortune, Myanmar’s embattled leader faces mounting threats both on the battlefield and in the political arena.

-2022-02-12

On 2/12/2026 at 9:15 AM, geovalin said:

Myanmar’s embattled leader faces mounting threats both on the battlefield and in the political arena.

Great news - let us hope his demise is soon so that true democracy and freedom returns for the Burmese people.

Shame they missed him!