{"id":7040,"date":"2025-07-28T11:08:31","date_gmt":"2025-07-28T04:38:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/moemaka.net\/eng\/?p=7040"},"modified":"2025-07-28T11:08:34","modified_gmt":"2025-07-28T04:38:34","slug":"junta-airstrikes-in-mogok-and-katha-shelling-of-naung-pain-village-in-kyaukme","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/moemaka.net\/eng\/2025\/07\/junta-airstrikes-in-mogok-and-katha-shelling-of-naung-pain-village-in-kyaukme\/","title":{"rendered":"Junta Airstrikes in Mogok and Katha, Shelling of Naung Pain Village in Kyaukme"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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Myanmar Spring Chronicle \u2013 July 26 Viewpoint<\/strong>
(MoeMaKa, July 27, 2025)<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Junta Airstrikes in Mogok and Katha, Shelling of Naung Pain Village in Kyaukme<\/h3>\n

A few days after the junta recaptured Naung Cho<\/strong>, its military escalated offensives with airstrikes targeting the Shwe Lipyar Hotel in Mogok<\/strong>, and bombed multiple villages along the Irrawaddy River near northern Katha Township<\/strong>. Simultaneously, Naung Pain village<\/strong> in neighboring Kyaukme Township<\/strong>, close to Naung Cho, was shelled, damaging civilian homes.<\/p>\n

Following the recapture of Naung Cho<\/strong>, speculation has grown that junta forces might launch further offensives to retake Mogok and Kyaukme<\/strong>, which are currently under the control of the TNLA (Ta\u2019ang National Liberation Army)<\/strong>. These recent air and artillery attacks seem to reflect that intent.<\/p>\n

The junta’s naval fleet<\/strong>, believed to be heading toward Bhamo<\/strong>, the site of a prolonged battle with the Kachin Independence Army (KIA)<\/strong>, conducted bombardments along both banks of the Irrawaddy River. Villages along the river were shelled from both the river and air<\/strong>, as military vessels advanced upriver.<\/p>\n

MDY-PDF<\/strong> and other resistance forces operating along the river attacked the junta fleet, reportedly damaging or sinking some vessels.<\/p>\n

The fleet, which departed from Mandalay<\/strong>, previously conducted air raids in villages near Wakema Township<\/strong> in Shwebo District<\/strong>, resulting in around 20 civilian deaths<\/strong>. In recent days, airstrikes hit Myay Nu, Moe Dar, Bawdhikon, and Taikkon villages<\/strong> in northern Katha Township, reportedly killing at least one civilian in Myay Nu<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

During monsoon season, when river levels rise, the junta is using naval routes to transport troops, weapons, and supplies<\/strong>, with air support. Despite some attacks on their fleet, the recent recapture of Sadaung<\/strong> appears to have boosted the junta\u2019s morale and logistical capability.<\/p>\n

In the north, the junta\u2019s success in retaking Naung Cho<\/strong> has been swiftly followed by an increase in propaganda and battlefield claims<\/strong>. The regime released official statements detailing how they recaptured Naung Cho, and quickly followed with similar announcements after retaking Sadaung<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

In contrast, defeats or ongoing pressure in places like Bhamo<\/strong>, or recent losses in Karen State border outposts<\/strong>, receive no such coverage<\/strong>. The junta is now likely trying to use its recent wins to boost troop morale<\/strong> and project military strength<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

On July 26<\/strong>, the junta bombed the Shwe Lipyar Hotel<\/strong> in Mogok, reportedly killing a hotel employee. The attack was allegedly based on suspicion that TNLA troops were stationed there<\/strong>, though this claim remains unverified<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

On the same day, Naung Pain village in Kyaukme<\/strong> was shelled, hitting civilian homes and killing a woman. The motive remains unclear, but this attack may signal the junta’s intention to push further<\/strong> into Kyaukme and Mogok<\/strong>, which were both seized by TNLA during Operation 1027<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Mogok, situated on the Mandalay\u2013Muse trade route<\/strong>, is of strategic economic value<\/strong>, especially for cross-border trade with China<\/strong>, making it a high-priority target for the junta. Mogok is also a gemstone-rich area<\/strong>, similar to Hpakant<\/strong> and Tanaing<\/strong>, which the junta is eager to reclaim for revenue.<\/p>\n

From the junta\u2019s perspective, controlling these resource-rich towns could fund its operations and cut off income streams for resistance forces<\/strong>. The recapture of Mogok<\/strong> would therefore not only be symbolic, but also strategically lucrative.<\/p>\n

Resistance forces, particularly ethnic armed groups<\/strong> like the TNLA, will likely need to form strong coalitions<\/strong> to effectively defend against these renewed junta offensives<\/strong>. The dissolution of alliances<\/strong> after Operation 1027 has weakened the resistance’s collective power.<\/p>\n

This raises critical questions:<\/p>\n