A civilian was killed, four others were injured, and seven houses were destroyed when the military council’s forces conducted airstrikes on Letku village in Thabeikkyin Township, Mandalay Region, according to an official from the Pyin Oo Lwin District People’s Defense Force. On May 19, fighter jets from the Meiktila Shan Tae Air Base conducted two separate bombing raids at 10:20 AM and 10:23 AM, targeting a gold mining site near Letku village with 300-pound bombs.
The airstrikes resulted in the immediate death of one male civilian and injuries to two others. Three houses were completely destroyed in the attack, along with damage to one car and one motorcycle. In a previous incident on May 18 at 7:09 PM, a fighter jet from the Tatkon Air Base had also conducted an airstrike on the same area, dropping one 300-pound bomb. This earlier attack resulted in non-life-threatening injuries to two civilians and damage to four houses.
Despite the military council’s announcement of a ceasefire, local residents do not trust these declarations as airstrikes continue to occur. The Pyin Oo Lwin District People’s Defense Force has strongly urged local residents to dig bomb shelters for protection from air raids and to relocate away from areas where military council troops are present. Currently, local residents are living in fear while trying to protect their lives and property, according to statements from local sources. The continuous airstrikes demonstrate the military council’s ongoing aggression against civilians, despite their public claims of seeking peace.
