The military council conducted aerial attacks on civilian areas in Sintguu Township, Mandalay Region, following the entry of their naval vessels into the area. On July 18 at 7:55 AM, the military council carried out 15 bombing raids using Y-12 aircraft on Htonegyi village to provide cover for their naval vessels anchored east of Shinmagwa village in eastern Wetlet Township. According to initial reports from Ko Than Mani, the information officer of Sintguu Township People’s Defense Force, while no civilian casualties were immediately reported from these airstrikes, detailed investigations of the ground situation are still ongoing.
Following the aerial attacks, the military council’s naval vessels continued to advance up the river through Sintguu Township, conducting indiscriminate heavy weapons and small arms fire along the riverbanks. The previous day, military council airstrikes had resulted in civilian casualties in Shargwe village, Ngapatchaung village, and Hlaynamaw village, located on the border between Wetlet and Sintguu townships. Early this morning, the military council launched additional attacks on Hlaynamaw village using 120mm artillery shells. Local sources report that these systematic attacks by the military council on civilian residential areas have caused significant fear and concern among the local population.
The ongoing military operations in the region demonstrate a pattern of the military council targeting civilian areas with heavy weapons and aerial bombardment, causing displacement and endangering civilian lives. The situation continues to deteriorate as the military council intensifies its offensive operations in the area, using both air and naval assets to target local communities. The repeated attacks on civilian areas, including the use of heavy artillery and airstrikes, reflect the military council’s aggressive approach toward civilian populations in areas where resistance forces are active.
