Airstrikes injure three civilians in northern Shan State; Regime retakes half of Laykaykaw town in Karen State

Airstrikes injure three civilians in northern Shan State

Residents of Namtu and Hsipaw townships in northern Shan State told DVB that at least three civilians were injured and seven homes were destroyed in airstrikes carried out by the Burma Air Force on Monday. Oct. 6 marks the full moon day of Thadingyut, one of the most important days in Buddhism, when Buddhists pay respects to elders and light lamps. 

“In Namtu, there were no casualties but homes, two vehicles, and a bus were destroyed. The fighter jet that attacked Namtu also attacked Hsipaw,” a Namtu resident told DVB on the condition of anonymity. Namtu and Hsipaw are located 41-46 miles (66-74 km) northwest and south of the regional capital Lashio. Both towns were seized by the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) in December 2023 and on Oct. 13, 2024. 

The TNLA political wing, the Palaung State Liberation Front (PSLF), claimed that at least three civilians, including one child, were injured in Hsipaw during the Oct. 6 airstrike. Two civilians were killed and three were injured in airstrikes on two villages of Hsipaw on Oct. 4. Thirteen buildings, including a school and a monastery, were destroyed. Hsipaw and Namtu were among 56 towns placed under martial law on July 31.