The military junta continues to carry out airstrikes and heavy artillery attacks on revolutionary-controlled areas in southern Myanmar ahead of the elections it is organizing, according to airstrike monitoring groups and local residents.
Affected areas include Bilin and Kyaikhto townships in Mon State; Kyar Inn Seik Gyi, Kawkareik, Hpapun, and Hlaingbwe townships in Karen State; and Yebyu, eastern Dawei, Launglon, the Myeik area, and Kyunsu townships in Tanintharyi Region. Between the first and second phases of the election, these areas have experienced both airstrikes and internet shutdowns.
On January 6th, the junta carried out roughly six airstrikes on Htee Khai Village in Duplaya District, a KNU-controlled area. Local residents said civilians were injured in the attack.
A resident living near the village said the bombs were dropped in the afternoon near a road about four kilometers from the village, injuring a man in his 40s who was working on his farm.
Data from the Human Rights Foundation of Monland (HURFOM) shows that at least 21 airstrikes were carried out across Mon State, Karen State, and Tanintharyi Region over the past three months. The attacks involved Y-12 aircraft, Mi-17 helicopters, and other aircraft, as well as gyrocopters and motorized paragliders.
A HURFOM source said the attacks appear to be “area-clearance” operations carried out ahead of Phases One and Two of the election, similar to military tactics used in other parts of the country. The source said the military has intensified operations, particularly in Tanintharyi Region and Karen State.
“In the south, the situation is especially severe in Tanintharyi Region and Karen State, and conditions are also very bad in many areas of Mon State,” the source said.
In Launglon Township, since November 10th clashes between junta troops and revolutionary forces have continued for around 50 days. The military has provided fire support using land, naval, and air forces during these clashes.
Despite ongoing fighting, Hlaingbwe and Hpapun townships in Karen State, Bilin Township in Mon State, and Yebyu, Kyunsu, and Dawei areas in Tanintharyi Region are included in Phase Two of the election.
According to the Myanmar Internet Project (MIP), the military carried out 645 airstrikes between February and July 2025 across 123 townships in 13 regions and states, excluding Yangon Region. The report found that all townships affected by airstrikes also experienced communications disruptions, including internet shutdowns.
