Myanmar resistance targets Ketumadi airbase in 18-rocket barrage amidst claims of global fuel supply disruption

Mizzima

On the night of 12 March, the Brave Warriors for Myanmar (BWM) and a coalition of allied revolutionary groups launched a coordinated rocket attack on the Ketumadi Airbase in Taungoo, Bago Region.

Firing eighteen 107 mm rockets from three separate locations at approximately 11:08 pm, the mission specifically targeted the airbase’s aviation fuel storage tanks and a drone warehouse. Of the rockets prepared, 13 were successfully launched, reportedly catching the military off guard despite heightened patrols in the area.

“They appeared to be caught off guard. Despite continuous military patrols and columns operating in the area, we were still able to carry out the launch,” a BWM official told Mizzima.

This operation was timed to coincide with a period of perceived vulnerability for the military junta’s aviation logistics. BWM claims that the recent death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei – who was killed in late February 2026 during the opening phase of the U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict – has severely disrupted a critical “ghost fleet” supply chain of aviation fuel to Myanmar.

While the Military Commission officially claims to hold a 40-day fuel reserve, resistance intelligence suggests the junta is scrambling to secure alternative suppliers from Arab nations to sustain its escalating aerial campaign.

Following the attack, Military Commission forces responded by firing small arms and six rounds of heavy artillery. The BWM official also said that the newly-appointed regional commander, Thura Zaw Lwin Soe, arrived the next morning to inspect the site. He reportedly ordered that information about the incident be suppressed, as it occurred on the same day the air force was commissioning new aircraft into service.

The commander also reportedly ordered troops to begin ground operations in the area and allegedly ordered that any suspects encountered should not be taken alive.

Taking advantage of the situation, resistance forces said they targeted a drone warehouse, an aviation fuel storage tank, and other high-value installations at the airbase.

According to BWM, if revolutionary forces can coordinate attacks on fuel depots and airbases during a period when the Military Commission is facing fuel shortages, the revolution can achieve victory more quickly.

The operation was carried out under the leadership of BWM in cooperation with the Mountain Knight Civilian Defense Forces (MKCDF), the Anti-Coup People’s Liberation Force (ACPLF), and the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) Brigade (2), Battalion (5). The group said the mission was successfully completed despite heavy security blockades, attributing the outcome to strong coordination among allied forces and support from local groups.

BWM also referred to an earlier operation carried out on 27 January at around 4:30 am when five 107 mm rockets were fired at the Central Command during a visit by Myanmar’s military leader Min Aung Hlaing. According to the group, he had arrived at the site to inspect polling stations and perform yadaya rituals intended to ward off misfortune.

The group said the attack reportedly injured several military officers, who were later transferred to Pyin Oo Lwin Hospital for treatment.