The military junta is intensifying its bombing campaign on areas it has lost in northern Shan State and Mandalay Region, with continuous airstrikes causing significant casualties and destruction.
On August 5, around 3 PM, the junta carried out four aerial bombings in Kutkai Township, northern Shan State, dropping seven 500-pound bombs despite no active clashes, reported the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) on August 7. The attack resulted in the deaths of six residents from wards 5 and 8 and injured 10 others. Additionally, 401 shops in the main market and over 10 civilian homes were damaged.
The junta has also targeted Kyaukme Township, controlled by the TNLA, with airstrikes. The Brotherhood Alliance stated that similar air raids have occurred in other northern Shan State regions, including Lashio, Laukkai, Kutkai, Namhsan, and Mrauk-U, despite the absence of direct confrontations.
The Brotherhood Alliance has urged international intervention, including from China, to halt the junta’s airstrikes on towns, villages, hospitals, schools, markets, and homes.
In Mandalay Region, the military junta has been bombing Singu Township, held by the Mandalay People’s Defense Force (MDY-PDF), almost daily since August 4. These attacks have led to at least 10 civilian deaths in nearby villages.
On August 6, the junta deployed Mi-35 helicopters to bomb areas between Patheingyi Township and near the Alpha Cement Factory in Madaya Township, as well as Kyauktada, resulting in the deaths of at least three civilians, according to local reports.
General Min Aung Hlaing, the military junta leader, vowed retaliation for lost territories in his speech on August 5.
