The Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and allied forces successfully shot down two Mi-17 helicopters out of three that were attempting to transport military reinforcements into the territory of Strategic Command 21 in Banmaw Township, Kachin State, according to KIA military sources. One of the helicopters crashed in a forested area west of Sinyan village in Mohnyin sub-township of Shwegu Township during the incident that occurred on May 20. The military council was attempting to strengthen its forces in the Strategic Command 21 area when this incident took place.
During the clearing operation at the crash site, KIA and allied forces recovered 16 bodies of military personnel and found 14 weapons that were damaged by fire. This incident is part of the ongoing conflicts between the KIA and military council forces in Kachin State, indicating an escalation of military tensions in the region. While the military council has been increasing its offensive operations in the area, they have failed to make effective progress due to resistance from the KIA and allied forces.
Although the military council forces have been relying on air power for their operations, they face increasing challenges due to the improved anti-aircraft capabilities of the KIA and allied forces. The simultaneous downing of two helicopters represents a significant loss for the military council forces and has substantially impacted their aerial operation capabilities. Military analysts suggest that this incident could have significant implications for the military council’s operations in northern Myanmar. The loss of these aircraft and personnel demonstrates the growing effectiveness of resistance forces’ anti-aircraft capabilities and highlights the increasing challenges faced by the military council in maintaining air superiority in the region.
