Myanmar Junta Airstrikes Kill at Least 10 at Gold-Mining Site in Sagaing Region
At least 10 people were killed and several others wounded after Myanmar military jets carried out multiple airstrikes targeting gold-mining rafts operated primarily by internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Sagaing Region’s Kyunhla Township, according to local sources.
The attack began at about 2:00 p.m. on October 5, when two fighter jets flying from Homalin Township launched an initial bombardment of mining rafts in the Thahpanseik Reservoir.
The military carried out at least four separate bombing runs throughout the afternoon.
The strikes set fire to numerous rafts, killing workers aboard and leaving others trapped.
The death toll rose overnight as several severely injured individuals succumbed to their wounds.
“At least 10 people have been confirmed dead so far,” a resident told NMG on Tuesday morning. “Some of the injured died later, and search teams have still been unable to recover several bodies from the destroyed rafts.”
As of October 6, at least nine gold-mining rafts were burnt, with total financial losses estimated at approximately 200 million Myanmar Kyat (MMK).
The Thahpanseik Dam area has become a refuge for civilians displaced by conflict in Kawlin, Kyunhla, and Kanbalu townships. Lacking alternative livelihoods, many IDPs have turned to artisanal gold mining in the reservoir to support their families.
“Most of the people working on these rafts are displaced families who have nowhere else to turn,” another resident said.
This is not the first time the regime has targeted the mining operations.
Military aircraft launched similar airstrikes on the site in January, February, and mid-March, injuring at least eight workers.
Local volunteers continue to search for missing individuals as rescue efforts remain underway to confirm the final casualty count and the full extent of the damage.
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