Myanmar Spring Chronicle – Scene of September 6
(MoeMaKa) September 7, 2024
Many civilians killed due to junta bombings in Namkham, Demawso, Pekon, and Myaing Townships
In recent days, airstrikes by the military junta in several areas have resulted in numerous civilian deaths. Namkham, a town in Northern Shan controlled by the TNLA, as well as a refugee camp in Pekon Township controlled by Karenni armed forces, were bombed, along with Nan Mae Khon village in Demawso Township and Latyetma village in Myaing Township. Reports indicate that nearly a dozen civilians were killed in some locations, with the total death toll reaching around 30. In Namkham alone, 11 civilians were reportedly killed, with one family losing four members, including two parents and their children, and a pregnant woman.
In Namkham, two bombs were dropped in a residential area far from any active combat zones, and the motive behind the targeting of civilians remains unclear.
In Karenni State, during the visit of the junta’s leader to Loikaw, KNDF forces retaliated by shelling Loikaw with artillery. In response, the junta bombed a designated target in Nan Mae Khon village on the first day and then attacked a refugee camp in Pekon on the second day, killing nearly ten civilians.
Another incident took place in Latyetma village, Myaing Township, where a school was reportedly targeted, though a bomb hit a nearby home, killing five family members instantly.
There has been no response from the junta regarding the deaths of civilians, including women and children.
The reason for the airstrikes across three regions—Northern, Central, and Southeastern Myanmar—remains unclear. However, the attack on Nan Mae Khon in Demawso is believed to be retaliation for the KNDF attack on Loikaw during the junta leader’s visit.
It seems the airstrikes on civilian areas such as Latyetma in Myaing and Namkham were based on intelligence suggesting that armed resistance groups or their administrative bodies were operating in those areas.
The military junta, which has lost control of many regions, is using air power to threaten towns and villages, indicating that these areas are not yet liberated. However, these attacks result in high civilian casualties and may intensify the resistance against the junta, strengthening the resolve of armed groups fighting for liberation.
The junta faces challenges in maintaining control on the ground and is resorting to frequent airstrikes to compensate for its territorial losses.
A crucial question remains whether ethnic armed groups and the NUG can acquire effective anti-aircraft weapons or prevent the importation of aviation fuel. There are significant challenges, such as the high cost and difficulty of acquiring shoulder-fired anti-aircraft missiles. While some ethnic armed groups possess limited numbers of such weapons, they are not in a position to use them widely.
Additionally, the effectiveness of aviation fuel embargo campaigns remains uncertain. The practical challenge of distinguishing between civilian and military aviation fuel makes this effort difficult. Neighboring countries and some ASEAN members still have the potential to supply fuel to the junta, limiting the impact of fuel embargo efforts.
Despite efforts in the past, following incidents such as the bombings of Latyetma and Pazi Gyi villages, the situation remains challenging, and there is no full protection against junta airstrikes at this time.