The Myanmar military has begun to rely more on air channels than land to conduct airstrikes and supply its front lines in Karenni (Kayah) State, according to the Kachin Independence Organisation/Kachin Independence Army (KIO/KIA).
“They haven’t sent in with any significant reinforcements. But they have been conducting more attacks from air lately. So they must have been moving troops and munitions from the air. But we haven’t seen many ground troops,” said Col. Naw Bu, head of the KIO’s information department.
After the military coup, the KIA and PDF frequently intercepted regime troops delivering supplies to frontline areas in Kachin State.
On 18 April, four junta soldiers were killed and about 20 others wounded when a military vehicle was attacked with mines by the KIA near Pyarohn village in Namya village tract, Hpakant Township, the KIO/KIA said.
The ethnic army added that the regime has relied on air transports instead of land transports in the face of increasing troop losses.
In addition to moving reinforcements by air, the regime has begun to conduct more airstrikes when its troops suffer heavy losses, the KIO/KIA said.
Col. Naw Bu urged people in the conflict area to be vigilant as the junta is carrying out attacks not only on resistance forces but also targeting civilians.
“They’re currently using both artillery and air strikes throughout the country. They’re also attacking civilian areas. We have seen this many times. That’s why many people have been killed and many have been injured. It’s important for people to remain vigilant. As everyone knows, the junta is using more and more air strikes at the moment. Therefore, people need to be on guard.”
In Kachin State, about 100 civilians, including KIA soldiers, artists and businessmen, were killed when the military regime bombed a music concert marking the 62nd anniversary of the founding of the KIO/KIA on 26 October 2022.
Not only in Kachin State, but throughout the country, the Myanmar regime has carried out airstrikes on military and civilian targets.
On 10 April this year, the junta’s air force bombed the town of Waibula in Falam Township, Chin State, killing nine residents, injuring four, and destroying five houses. On 11 April, more than 170 people, including children, were killed when the regime bombed an opening ceremony of the People’s Security Forces in Pazigyi village in Kanbalu Township, Sagaing Region.
A similar massacre of residents also took place when the regime’s air force bombed the school of Let Yet Kone village in Depayin Township, Sagaing Region, on 16 September 2022.
As Myanmar’s junta continues to carry out attacks on military and civilian targets, Colonel Naw Bu has urged the public to be more vigilant than before.
Sent by KMG.