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India Busts Global Network, US Mercenary Matthew VanDyke Held In Drone Warfare Training Case By NIA

TOI.in / Mar 18, 2026, 12.30 PM IST

India’s security agencies have uncovered a disturbing transnational link involving foreign fighters and drone warfare training. The National Investigation Agency arrested US national Matthew Aaron VanDyke and six Ukrainians in a coordinated operation spanning Kolkata, Lucknow, and New Delhi. Authorities allege the group entered Mizoram without proper permits and crossed into Myanmar to engage with insurgent-linked ethnic armed groups. The focus, investigators say, was on advanced drone training, raising serious concerns for India’s internal security. The case is being probed under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, with custody granted by a special court at Patiala House Courts. As details emerge, the incident signals a growing risk from modern warfare tactics being introduced into sensitive border regions.

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