Fortify Rights has released a report identifying 22 military and air force officers, including Min Aung Hlaing and Soe Win, as primarily responsible for airstrikes against Myanmar civilians. The report details those responsible for deadly airstrikes against civilians and protected locations in Kachin and Karenni States. The investigation presents new evidence linking military leaders, battalions, units, and air force bases to unlawful bombing attacks on schools, Christian churches, IDP camps, hospitals, and homes between October 2023 and November 2024.
The report identifies eight military headquarters and twelve battalions and units involved in artillery and air attacks. Among those named as responsible are top officials including Min Aung Hlaing, Soe Win, Kyaw Swar Lin, and Maung Maung Aye, along with Deputy Generals Ko Ko Oo, Teza Kyaw, Naing Naing Oo, and Aung Aung. Regional commanders named include Northern Command’s Brigadier General Aung Zaw Htwe, Western Command’s Major General Zaw Min Latt, Tanintharyi Region’s Colonel Kyaw Phone Aung, and Loikaw Command’s Brigadier General Aung Kyaw Khaing. Air force officials named include Air Force Chief General Htun Aung, Deputy General Zaw Win Myint, and Tatmadaw Air Base Commander Brigadier General Maung Maung Soe.
Fortify Rights has called on UN member states attending the upcoming UN General Assembly to pressure the UN Security Council to impose aviation fuel and arms embargoes on Myanmar’s military junta. The organization also urges the Security Council to refer Myanmar’s situation to the International Criminal Court (ICC). The report emphasizes that these attacks were not accidental but were planned and executed through the military’s chain of command, with evidence showing systematic targeting of civilian areas and protected sites in violation of international law.
