Junta Intensifies Airstrikes Across Shan, Hitting Four Townships in First Week of October
The Myanmar military junta has escalated its aerial attacks in Shan State, carrying out airstrikes on at least four townships — Mongkut (Mogok), Namtu, Hsipaw, Mantong, and Namhsan — during the first week of October. The strikes resulted in civilian casualties and widespread damage, according to reports from locals and the Ta’ang (Palaung) National Liberation Army (TNLA).
In Mongkut (Mogok), a junta aircraft dropped bombs on the western part of the town near the Shan–Mandalay border on October 1, injuring two civilians. Residents said the airstrike hit the road leading to Yay Htwet Gyi. The same area was previously bombed on September 16.
In Namtu, four displaced persons were killed and at least five others injured when the military council bombed Ward 8 on October 2. Many of the victims were families displaced from Kyaukme and Nawng Ping. The TNLA confirmed it was the first airstrike on Namtu since the group seized control of the town. On the same morning, junta jets also attacked the TNLA’s Infantry Battalion (130) camp in nearby Mantong Township.
In Hsipaw, junta aircraft launched multiple strikes between October 2 and 4. Bombs hit the Kumadra Hotel in San Hpeik village, a former police station in Manhe village, and later that night, a monastery, a school, and several homes in Zat Su ward. TNLA reports said four bombs dropped on October 4 damaged 13 houses, Basic Education High School (2), and the Banda Monastery in Kyaung Su village.
In Namhsan, a junta jet bombed Zei Kon Huong village around noon on October 4, killing two children — Maung Zay Yar Aung (10) and Maung Htun Myo Aung (13) — and injuring nine others, including six children.
A political activist from northern Shan State said the renewed air and ground offensives are tied to the junta’s plan to hold elections on December 28. “The military has reportedly retaken Kyaukme and is now preparing to advance on Hsipaw, Namtu, Manton, Namkham, Kutkai, and Hsenwi,” he told SHAN.
Observers note that the recent wave of airstrikes marks one of the most concentrated aerial campaigns in Shan State since Operation 1027, as the junta seeks to regain control of key towns ahead of the planned election.
