Airstrikes by Myanmar’s military regime have killed more than 60 civilians across six regions and states since January 8, even as junta leader Min Aung Hlaing called for peace talks.
The targeted towns are predominantly controlled by resistance groups such as the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), Arakan Army (AA), and Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), or are contested territories.
The most severe casualties occurred on Ramree Island in Rakhine State, controlled by the AA, and in Kachin State’s Tanai and Hpakant towns, where the KIA holds sway.
In Kyauk Ni Maw village on Ramree Island, approximately 40 people, including children, were killed, residents reported. The AA confirmed 26 deaths and 30 injuries, half of which are critical, along with the destruction of more than 390 homes in the airstrikes.
In KIA-controlled Tanai, at least 15 people were killed during an airstrike on a gold mine last Saturday. Meanwhile, an airstrike in Hpakant claimed seven lives on Monday following a mudslide that buried over 70 homes.
Other casualties include two women killed in Hsihseng Township in Shan State's Pa-O Self-Administrative Zone. Airstrikes were also reported in Shwe Thaung Yan town in Ayeyarwady Region on January 11-12, though casualty numbers remain unknown.
Additional regions targeted include Mandalay Region’s Mogoke, Singu, Madaya, and Thabeikkyin, along with Kyauktaw Township in Rakhine State, Bhamo in Kachin State, and Kyaukme and Pekon in Shan State.
Observers and resistance groups allege that the airstrikes deliberately targeted civilians rather than resistance forces. KIA spokesperson Colonel Naw Bu described the bombing in Tanai as "unprovoked."
“They are bombing at random to discourage resistance groups from attacking their bases and advancing on Mandalay,” said a Madaya Township People’s Defense Force member.
Activists have renewed calls for international intervention. The Blood Money Campaign reiterated its demand on January 10 for the global community to halt the regime’s access to aviation fuel, aircraft, and parts.
The regime recently received the final two of six Su-30 jet fighters from Russia as part of a $400 million arms deal.
According to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, the junta killed about 100 people in December, including 45 in airstrikes. The escalating violence has prompted renewed calls for international action to pressure the regime into ending its brutal campaign.
BOB Post
