Myanmar junta conducts second airstrike on Kanpetlet in under a month

Mizzima

The Myanmar junta carried out a second airstrike on Kanpetlet Township in Chin State within a month, according to the Chin Defence Force – Kanpetlet (CDF-Kanpetlet).

Around midnight on 10 September, a military jet dropped two 500-pound bombs on Khapan village, located in Administrative Unit No. 5 of Kanpetlet Township. This follows a previous airstrike on Kanpetlet town on 17 August.

“A jet fighter dropped two 500-pound bombs. It may have targeted the area believing our comrades were there, or it might have deliberately aimed at civilians,” said Peter Than Shwe, spokesperson for CDF–Kanpetlet, in a statement to Mizzima.

The airstrike destroyed two school buildings and injured one local resident, who sustained a hand injury.

CDF–Kanpetlet believes the junta is using airstrikes to intimidate civilians in territories it no longer controls. The 17 August attack on Kanpetlet town caused no casualties, but damaged around 20 houses. Most residents had evacuated in time.

In response to junta movements in Chin State, CDF–Kanpetlet has closed two key routes – the Swal Lwe Kyin–Kyin Dwe road and the Saw–Kanpetlet road – since 20 August for military and security reasons.

As of 11 September, the roads remain closed. However, emergency travel for health or welfare purposes is still permitted with prior notice to the relevant local authorities.