20 more foreign mercenaries fled

In 2024, intelligence agencies flagged a sudden surge in ‘unusual Western visitors’ in Mizoram

- SUMIT KUMAR SINGH @New Delhi

RED flags were raised as early as 2024 when intelligence officials in Mizoram noticed a surge of “unusual Western visitors” moving through the region without any clear tourism purpose.

India’s intelligence agencies reported that more than 20 suspected mercenaries had already left Indian territory undetected after crossing from Myanmar.

“At the time, the pattern was considered anomalous, and the probe started in the matter, and eventually the pattern shows a much larger picture,” said a senior official.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is investigating a suspected foreign mercenary network linked to insurgent activity in Myanmar. Seven foreign nationals—six Ukrainians and one American—have been taken into custody following coordinated operations at various airports in India.