The death toll in Myanmar has risen sharply after the military government intensified airstrikes on civilian areas, particularly in Kayah State, to hasten the recapture of territory before the December 28 election.
Myanmar's military government has escalated air operations—including bombings, rocket fire, and aerial gunfire—against civilian areas controlled by opposition forces, especially in Kayah State, to speed up territorial recapture ahead of the December 28 election, leading to a rapid increase in casualties.
Reports indicate that within just one week, dozens of civilians were killed by Myanmar military airstrikes. These attacks occurred only hours after General Min Aung Hlaing, the military leader, praised the Air Force during the 78th anniversary ceremony in Naypyidaw on Monday, commending their sacrifice and dedication in defending the country from both internal and external threats.
On Thursday, the Myanmar Air Force deployed four fighter jets and three gyro-copters to strike civilian targets in Kin Oo Township, including an oil depot located by the roadside and nearby intersections.
Local civilian administrators told The Irrawaddy that bombs hit an oil tank storage area by the roadside, causing fires that spread to vehicles stuck in heavy traffic at a checkpoint, where a large number of vehicles had accumulated, making it an easy target.
The attack resulted in at least 13 civilian deaths, with no reports of clashes involving opposition groups in the area. Local officials confirmed that the military deliberately targeted civilians using bombs, rockets, and aerial machine gun fire.
Earlier on Wednesday, five Myanmar military fighter jets bombed two ports on the west bank of the Irrawaddy River with at least 30 bombs, killing seven and injuring 15 people, mostly civilians who had fled across the river from Singgu town in Mandalay Region to escape fighting.
Meanwhile, residents of Singgu are evacuating in large numbers as government troops continue operations to reclaim territory, which remains one of the opposition's last strongholds in Mandalay Region.
On the same day, fighter jets from the Meiktila Air Base dropped bombs on Setaw village in Wetlet Township despite no ground clashes occurring, killing four people including an elderly couple over 70 years old, and destroying several homes and vehicles.
On Wednesday night, reports indicated that the Air Force attacked a community hospital in Ye-U town, damaging the building, though no casualties were reported.
According to data from the National Unity Government (NUG), the shadow government, since the 2021 coup, Myanmar's military has conducted at least 8,281 airstrikes, mainly targeting homes and civilian infrastructure in opposition-held areas, resulting in at least 4,470 deaths, most of whom were innocent civilians.
Source:The Irrawaddy
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