The military council has been conducting continuous aerial attacks in Thayarlay Township, Saw Township, and Gangaw Township in Magway Region during the Thingyan festival period, according to Ko Min Datha from Yaw Alinn Tan. On April 16, the morning of Thingyan A-Tat Day, at 7:30 AM, a MIG-29 fighter jet from the Naypyidaw-based Alar Air Force conducted an airstrike on an area in the northern part of Saw Township. Due to disrupted communication systems, the extent of damage and casualties is still being investigated.
Additionally, on April 15 afternoon, the military council conducted an aerial attack on a location in Thayarlay Township, followed by reinforcement operations using Mi-17 helicopters to transport weapons, ammunition, and troops into Thayarlay town. On April 16 around 9 AM, the Light Infantry Battalion 50 based in Gangaw town deployed aerial surveillance drones to the northern area of the town, reportedly in preparation for helicopter-based troop reinforcements into Gangaw.
Revolutionary forces in the Yaw region have warned local civilians to remain vigilant against potential air strikes at any time and advised against gathering in large groups. The military council primarily uses aerial attacks as a strategy to control revolutionary force movements in the region, targeting not only military objectives but also civilian homes and infrastructure. These ongoing aerial operations demonstrate the military council’s aggressive approach to maintaining control over the region, putting civilian lives and property at constant risk during the traditional festival period.
