The Human Rights Foundation of Monland (HURFOM) strongly condemns the ongoing airstrikes being carried out against innocent civilians by the military junta. In targeted areas of Southeastern Burma, including Mon State, Karen State, and the Tanintharyi Region, the Burmese Army has frequently deployed airstrikes and ground assaults that have deliberately aimed to instill fear and uncertainty among the unarmed and most vulnerable.

On June 9, at 2 PM, despite no ongoing clashes, at least six civilians, including three children, were killed when junta aircraft dropped bombs on Pai Yap village in Kawkareik Township, Karen State. Five bombs were dropped directly onto the area, causing significant destruction. One of the bombs hit a house being used as a classroom, where students were attending lessons. Among those killed were three young children, a female teacher, and two other residents. Thirty-five others were injured. 

The wounded were rushed to Kanyin Katai hospital with the support of local humanitarian teams and are currently undergoing treatment. Earlier that morning, junta aircraft were also seen attacking the Kyondoe area. The same day in the afternoon, they targeted Pai Yap again with airstrikes, villagers confirmed. Since June 6, the junta has increased its military presence in both Kawkareik and Kyondoe, launching continuous air and artillery attacks on civilian areas.

A HURFOM fieldworker noted, “It’s heartbreaking to hear that more than 35 civilians who were injured are currently receiving medical treatment at the hospital, with some in critical condition. There are concerns that the number of fatalities could rise. It was also reported that three homes were damaged or destroyed due to the junta’s aerial bombings.”

Just two days earlier, on June 7, the military bombed Ohntapin village in Kawkareik Township, injuring four civilians—one of them severely. In the Dawei district, another airstrike on June 7 tragically claimed the lives of a father and his young son in Taung Pyauk Sub-township, Tha Yet Chaung Township, Dawei District, despite no fighting taking place in the area.

At 11 AM, a junta jet fighter dropped two bombs on Kyauk Ai village and another two on Mae Kal village. One of the bombs exploded near a house in the Si Pin Chaung Pyar neighbourhood of Kyauk Ai, killing U Than Aung, a man in his fifties, and his 10-year-old son. Four other family members, including his wife, sustained injuries. 

U Than Aung and his son reportedly died from severe blast injuries. Their home was also destroyed in the explosion. Community members were left shaken and fearful as they tried to rescue and support the wounded.

Sources close to local resistance groups confirmed that the aircraft involved was a military jet, likely dropping 200-pound bombs. Residents believe the airstrike may have been guided by information leaked through pro-junta Telegram channels or military informants operating in the region, who have previously encouraged bombings and arrests in opposition-held areas.

Once again, civilians are paying the price for the junta’s escalating attacks, further deepening the fear and trauma already faced by communities across the region. Although the junta has announced a temporary ceasefire across the country until June 30, the situation on the ground reveals a different reality. Their ongoing attacks have fostered increasing mistrust and fear among civilians. According to the National Unity Government, between March 28 and May 30, the military junta’s air force conducted over 520 airstrikes across the country, killing 462 civilians and injuring 884.

Villagers are not combatants. They must be protected and shielded from the atrocities that continue to be carried out by the terrorist junta. Airstrikes can occur at any time and have left communities paralyzed in agony and uncertainty about their future security and safety. The international community, along with regional actors including ASEAN, must not turn a blind eye to the ongoing injustices. HURFOM reiterates our longstanding calls for a global arms embargo, targeted sanctions on aviation fuel, and an urgent referral of the human rights situation in Burma to the International Criminal Court.

Media Contact

Nai Aue Mon, HURFOM Program Director

Email: auemon@rehmonnya.org

Signal: +66 86 167 9741