According to local residents and a statement from the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), the military council conducted aerial bombardments on Man Li village in Namtu Township, northern Shan State, which is under TNLA control. The airstrikes occurred on June 12, with two separate attacks at 1:10 AM and 1:17 AM, during which two 500-pound bombs were dropped. The bombardment resulted in significant damage to a monastery, a school, and several civilian homes in the area. The TNLA stated that these attacks were deliberately targeted at civilians, as there were no active conflicts in the area at the time of the bombing.
Man Li village, predominantly inhabited by Ta’ang ethnic people, has a long history of suffering from military attacks, including arson, airstrikes, and heavy artillery bombardments. This latest incident marks the third time the village has been bombed, with previous attacks occurring in December 2023 and January 2024. Even before the military coup, the village had experienced military aggression, including incidents where the army entered the village and set fire to properties, forcing many residents to abandon their homes and relocate to new areas. A Ta’ang ethnic resident who fled Man Li village in February 2024 and currently resides in Pyin Oo Lwin reported that due to communication difficulties, the full extent of damage from this latest bombing cannot yet be determined.
Despite the military council’s announcement of a ceasefire in June, they have continued offensive operations in Naung Cho Township, including military advances, artillery strikes, and aerial attacks. Now they have extended these attacks to Man Li village in Namtu Township, where there had been no active fighting. The village has been a constant target of military aggression, with a pattern of destruction that has displaced many of its residents and disrupted civilian life. The military’s actions continue to demonstrate a disregard for civilian safety and property, targeting areas with no active conflict and causing significant damage to essential community structures including religious and educational facilities.
