At least 15 civilians lost their lives, and 10 others were injured during an air strike conducted by Myanmar’s military junta on a market in northern Kachin state, as reported by the South China Morning Post. The attack occurred around 11:00 am on Saturday in Tanaing Township, a known gold-mining area, according to Colonel Naw Bu, spokesperson for the Kachin Independence Army (KIA).

The KIA states that all victims were civilians, including local shopkeepers and gold miners. Unfortunately, three of the injured have reportedly succumbed to their injuries, increasing the death toll. Images from the scene depict a large crater surrounded by debris from what was once a bustling market (Source: South China Morning Post).

This incident marks another chapter in the escalating violence that has plagued Myanmar since the military coup in 2021. The junta has launched a series of attacks aimed at suppressing resistance and has been known to target civilian areas. The KIA, which boasts approximately 7,000 fighters, has been engaged in a longstanding struggle for autonomy and resource control in Kachin state, which is rich in jade and rare earth elements, primarily exported to China.

In addition to the Kachin incident, the Arakan Army reported that the junta conducted three separate attacks in Kyauktaw, Rakhine State, dropping a total of 15 bombs on a public market. Civilian casualties were confirmed, though the numbers remain unverified (Source: India Times).

The attacks are indicative of the junta’s ongoing conflict with various ethnic armed groups as it seeks military dominance amidst widespread resistance.

For more details, click on the articles from South China Morning Post and India Times.