Military Junta Threatens Uncontrolled Areas with Airstrikes

Myanmar Spring Chronicle – January 26
MoeMaKa, January 27, 2025
Military Junta Threatens Uncontrolled Areas with Airstrikes

For two consecutive years, reports of the Myanmar military junta’s air force conducting daily airstrikes using fighter jets, reconnaissance aircraft, and helicopters have been dominating headlines. These strikes have resulted in civilian casualties numbering from hundreds to thousands, significantly increasing over time.

The airstrikes are used to support ground battles in conflict zones and to target areas controlled by ethnic armed organizations (EAOs). These targets include administrative offices, monasteries, schools, hospitals, and marketplaces suspected of harboring armed groups. Recent incidents include airstrikes on Kyaukme Hospital, Sinkaung Village in Min Chaung Seemee, Bhamo Township, and regions in Karenni State like Moebye, as well as villages in Rakhine and Ayeyarwady border areas such as Baw Mi Village. The headquarters of the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) in Laiza was also struck.

Of these, the airstrikes in the Rakhine-Ayeyarwady border and Bhamo were directly linked to ongoing battles, while others appeared to be preemptive attacks based on gathered intelligence.

Despite some precision strikes targeting armed groups’ bases, many attacks have claimed the lives of civilians, including monks, children, and ordinary residents. These people, caught in the crossfire of the conflict, are far removed from military engagements. Strikes on civilian locations like markets, residential areas, religious sites, and healthcare facilities—such as the recent attack on Kyaukme Hospital—have resulted in substantial civilian casualties.

Motivations Behind the Airstrikes

The military junta appears to understand that airstrikes alone cannot reclaim territories but continues these attacks to pressure ethnic armed groups into surrendering contested areas. This strategy also aims to portray the governing capability of these groups as inadequate.

Over the past year, the junta has lost control of several key areas, including major towns in Northern Shan, Kachin, Rakhine, and Chin states. Strategic locations like Lashio, a major trade hub and military headquarters, have also fallen.

Response and Challenges

To date, EAOs, along with the National Unity Government (NUG) and People’s Defense Forces (PDF), remain largely unable to counter the airstrikes. Lacking funds, connections, and access to advanced anti-aircraft weaponry, they have limited capability to defend against aerial attacks. Efforts to purchase drone-jamming equipment or anti-aircraft missiles have had little success. Their strategies are confined to warning civilians, using bomb shelters, and disrupting drone operations to mitigate damage.

Another potential countermeasure involves restricting the junta’s access to aviation fuel and spare parts. While this has been partially successful, the junta continues to source supplies from countries like Russia, Vietnam, and Iran, making a complete blockade difficult.

Airstrikes as Leverage

The junta is also using airstrikes as leverage to pressure EAOs into ceasefire agreements. This approach was observed in Northern Shan, where the junta bombed positions of the MNDAA before entering into a ceasefire, followed by intensified strikes against the TNLA. The recent attack on Kyaukme, a TNLA-controlled area, reflects this strategy.

Impact on Civilians

The continuous airstrikes have left residents in EAO-controlled areas digging bomb shelters and living in constant fear, severely disrupting livelihoods. Extended periods of sheltering are not sustainable for the civilian population, who must work to meet basic needs.

To reduce civilian casualties, it is essential for armed groups and local administrative bodies to prioritize the protection of communities. Improved warning systems, safer shelter provisions, and coordinated strategies against airstrikes are critical for minimizing harm to civilians.

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