Myanmar junta airstrikes on Mindat and Kanpetlet kill four, including a POW

Military junta forces carried out approximately 15 airstrikes on Mindat and Kanpetlet in southern Chin State within a single day, killing four people, including a prisoner of war (POW), according to the Chin People’s Union/Chin People’s Army (CPU/CPA).

The junta targeted Mindat with jet fighters twice at around 11:45 pm on 11 May. On 12 May, the town was hit again by 11 more strikes: two at 8:00 am, two at 11:00 am, and five at 6:00 pm.

According to the CPU/CPA, these attacks killed four people, including one POW. The strikes also destroyed 15 civilian homes, 10 government buildings, and four vehicles, while causing multiple injuries. Specific details regarding the identities of the deceased and the condition of the wounded remain undisclosed.

In a separate attack, Kanpetlet was targeted by two jet fighters and a Y-12 transport plane after 10:00 pm on 12 May, a Kanpetlet Township defence official told Mizzima.

“They bombed the Kanpetlet Hotel Zone using two jet fighters and a Y-12. The fighters struck three times, while the Y-12 dropped about nine bombs, including cluster munitions,” he said. Casualties and the extent of damage from the Kanpetlet attack are still being confirmed.

Revolutionary military sources suggested these airstrikes likely signal an upcoming ground offensive in southern Chin State.

“They wouldn’t bomb without a military objective. It is possible they are clearing the path before launching a ground column,” a source noted.

Junta reinforcements have been stationed in Kan Gyi village, Magway Region – roughly 10 miles from Mindat – since late April. Additionally, approximately 500 troops and 17 vehicles reached Laung Shey in Saw Township, bordering Kanpetlet. Revolutionary forces have urged residents to remain vigilant.

The Chin Brotherhood (CB) and its allies captured Mindat on 21 December 2024, and Kanpetlet on 22 December. Having lost significant territory, the junta recently recaptured Falam on 25 April and is currently moving to retake Tonzang while maintaining air operations against Mindat and Kanpetlet.