The Shan Human Rights Foundation has confirmed that military council airstrikes in Naung Cho Township, Shan State, from March 21 to April 1 resulted in the deaths of 5 civilians and injuries to 10 others. The attacks also caused extensive damage to numerous residential homes and sparked fear among local residents. The series of attacks began on the morning of March 21, when the military forces conducted systematic bombing raids using Y-12 jet fighters targeting the areas around Laukfar, Ummhtee, Ummhkar, and Kyaukkyam villages.
On March 22, the military council continued its offensive using drones to drop four bombs on Ummhkar village, resulting in one civilian injury and the complete destruction of one house. The attacks intensified on March 26 at 6 PM when military jet fighters launched five bombs targeting Ummhkar village, Thonezay village, and Shwenyaungpin village. Two bombs struck Thonezay village, killing four civilians and destroying four houses. Two other bombs hit Ummhkar village, injuring four civilians and destroying four houses.
Following a 7.7 magnitude earthquake centered near Mandalay on March 28 at around 1 PM, the military council’s air force launched attacks within minutes, dropping eight bombs on Naungling and Kangyi villages, destroying ten houses. On March 30 at approximately 12 PM, the military air force dropped two 250-pound bombs on Ummhtee village, causing extensive damage to numerous homes. The military continued its campaign of attacks from March 31 to April 1, targeting multiple villages including Kyaukkyam, Thonezay, Ummhtee, Taungkham, Taungla, Yemaungtan, and Lwaykwin using both drones and aircraft.
These latest attacks resulted in one civilian death, five injuries, and widespread destruction of homes. According to the Shan Human Rights Foundation’s statement, instead of providing assistance to civilians affected by the March 28 earthquake, the military council has intensified its military oppression against innocent civilians in its bid to maintain power. The foundation emphasized that these actions clearly demonstrate the military council’s prioritization of maintaining its grip on power over saving lives during the country’s crisis period.
