The military junta conducted an airstrike in the western part of Demoso Township, Karenni State, reportedly using chemical bombs, causing locals to experience symptoms such as fatigue, drowsiness, and vomiting, according to residents.
The junta carried out two airstrikes past 11 p.m. on 6 May, dropping around 10 bombs approximately 20 minutes apart, locals said.
“I came out when I heard the plane. As I stood there, they dropped one —a 500-pound bomb. I shouted again, ‘Mother, get out! Mother, get out! The plane is coming!’ and told everyone to run to the bomb shelter. I thought the plane had left, but when I came out, another bomb was dropped,” recounted a local woman near the targeted area, describing the incident.
Following the bombing, residents reported symptoms including fatigue, drowsiness , and vomiting, suggesting possible exposure to chemical agents, with locals suspecting the use of chemical bombs.
Another local woman said: “I felt dizzy and nauseous. My heart was pounding so hard I had to steady myself. Even now, I’m still dizzy.”
The bombs landed near residential areas and farmland, but no casualties were reported, according to locals.
Despite no ongoing clashes, the junta has frequently targeted civilian areas with airstrikes, causing widespread fear among residents, they said.
“As a civilian, I think it’s unjust for them to bomb us like this. We’re just laborers, farming crops like beans. We’re ordinary people making an honest living. I feel very sad they came and bombed us like this,” said a village leader.
On the same day the military council announced an extension of the nationwide ceasefire until the end of May, citing earthquake recovery efforts, it carried out this airstrike in Karenni State.
Sent by Kantarawaddy Times.