Myanmar Military Steps Up Chin Offensive With Airstrikes and Troop Buildup

Myanmar’s military has escalated airstrikes and ground offensives across Chin State in a bid to reclaim strategic towns and border trade routes, according to local sources and resistance groups.

On May 11 and 12, regime warplanes bombed Mindat in southern Chin and surrounding areas at least 11 times, killing four people—including prisoners of war—and destroying 15 homes and 10 government buildings, the Chin People’s Union/Chin People’s Army (CPU/CPA) reported. Residents said they were forced to shelter in bunkers throughout the day as multiple aircraft attacked simultaneously.

Meanwhile, regime troops have reinforced positions in Magwe Region’s Saw Township, which borders southern Chin State.