On May 20, the military council admitted that one of their military helicopters crashed in Banmaw, Kachin State. However, while the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) shot down the aircraft, the military council falsely claimed in their statement that the crash was due to mechanical failure. According to the military council’s statement, the helicopter was returning after delivering supplies to a frontline base for regional stability operations when it allegedly crashed due to sudden mechanical failure approximately 14,000 meters southwest of Banmaw city.
In reality, KIA joint forces targeted three military helicopters that were bringing reinforcements to Banmaw. Two helicopters were hit and crashed, with one of the wreckages being discovered in the forest west of Sinngyan village in Mohnyin Township sub-division of Shwegu Township. KIA forces reached the crash site and found the helicopter wreckage along with the body of Captain Myothut Aung, the pilot. The incident occurred after 1 PM when KIA joint forces engaged three military helicopters that were delivering reinforcements to Strategic Command Post 21 in Banmaw. One helicopter that was successfully targeted crashed in KIA Battalion 5 territory on the western bank of the Irrawaddy River near Shwegu town.
KIA forces quickly reached the crash site and were able to document and report on the wreckage and casualties. This incident clearly demonstrates the military capabilities of KIA forces and exposes the military council’s false reporting. The KIA forces’ successful operation in shooting down the military helicopters represents a significant blow to the military council’s air capabilities in the region, while also highlighting the ongoing conflict between ethnic armed organizations and the military council in Kachin State.
