Junta Air Strikes Claim Lives of 11 Civilians in Northern Myanmar

Conflicts John Brightwater September 6, 2024

Junta Air Strikes Claim Lives of 11 Civilians in Northern Myanmar

On Friday, the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), an ethnic minority armed group opposing the ruling junta in Myanmar, announced that military air strikes in the northern Shan state resulted in the deaths of 11 civilians and inflicted injuries upon an additional 11 individuals. Lway Yay Oo, a spokesperson for the TNLA, reported that the air strikes targeted two locations in Namhkam at approximately 1:00 AM local time. According to the TNLA, the casualties included five men, four women, and two children, with damage also reported to the office of a local political party.

The situation in Namhkam, located near the border with China, reflects the ongoing conflict since the military coup in 2021. Reports of the destruction emerged through social media, showcasing images of rubble and injured individuals being rescued, amidst claims from a local resident about at least 13 people receiving treatment at a nearby hospital.

Following the offensive, the TNLA cautioned residents about the threat of additional air strikes and offered a safe escape route from the area. In a related development, the junta’s chief, Min Aung Hlaing, issued a warning to civilians in regions dominated by armed ethnic groups to brace for military reprisals, as the junta has recently labeled the TNLA a “terrorist” organization, threatening legal action against anyone supporting or communicating with the group.

The ongoing turmoil in Myanmar has forced over 2.7 million individuals to abandon their homes due to escalating violence, as stated by the United Nations. The junta’s military has struggled to maintain control over territories in the northern Shan state, leading to significant territorial losses against an alliance of armed ethnic groups and local defense forces seeking to reverse the coup.

The situation remains dire as the junta continues to grapple with mounting opposition and escalating military confrontations, causing unrelenting humanitarian crises in the region.

This alarming trend demonstrates the continuing instability within Myanmar, warranting urgent international attention and intervention to address the humanitarian needs and restore peace to the affected communities.