Myanmar junta intensifies airstrikes, dropping more than 200 bombs in Chin, Magway and Sagaing

Mizzima

The Myanmar junta has carried out more than 200 airstrikes amid ongoing clashes across Chin State and in parts of Magway and Sagaing Regions, according to the Chinland Ministry of Defence.

Salai Naing John Kim, press officer for the Chinland Ministry of Defence, said the military’s intensified bombardment follows heavy casualties on the front lines.

“The casualty count on the Column One side is significantly higher, including among officers. That’s why airstrikes have intensified,” he told Mizzima.

According to a joint announcement by the Chinland government and the Chinland Ministry of Defence on 22 November, the junta conducted a series of air attacks over several days: eight bombs dropped by fighter jets and more than 150 by Y-12 aircraft on 18 November, one bomb from a fighter jet on 19 November, and more than 60 Y-12 bombs on 22 November.

Column One, which includes forces from the Chin State government, the Ministry of Defence, and allied groups, has been battling junta troops in Kalay Township of Sagaing Region and Gangaw Township of Magway Region.

Meanwhile, the Chin Revolutionary Forces’ Joint Military Column Two has been engaged in clashes with junta troops in Tedim and Falam townships in Chin State since 6 November.

The statement added that the junta used both aircraft and drones in its attacks, and that several drones were shot down by the Chin Revolutionary Army.

During the fighting, around 50 junta military personnel, including officers, were reportedly killed, and wounded soldiers were evacuated by MI-17 helicopters. The Chinland Ministry of Defence also reported the capture of prisoners of war and the seizure of ammunition. Mizzima has not independently verified these casualty figures.

Column One is fighting junta forces in Kalay Township, Mantaw, Kyintha, and near Hanthawaddy village in Gangaw Township, alongside allied groups including the Vakok PDF, All Burma Students’ Democratic Front (ABSDF), PDF District Battalions, LPDF, Kalay Revolution Force (KRF), Ranger Kalay Defence Force (RKDF), and the Yaw Defence Force (YDF).

Column Two is fighting between Falam and Waibula townships, as well as between Tedim and Khaikam townships, working in coordination with the Chin National Defence Force (CNDF) and PDF–Zoland, both members of the Chin Brotherhood Alliance (CB).

The Chin revolutionary community believes that Hakha and Tedim in Chin State are included in the junta’s first-phase elections scheduled for 28 December, and that military forces are advancing to retake lost territory and enforce the election process.