January 18, 2023
Six civilians were killed and over 30 others injured after military jets bombed Moetar and Taikkone villages in Katha Township, Sagaing Region, according to a member of the People’s Defense Force (PDF) in Katha. The airstrikes occurred on the morning of January 18, 2023, during intense fighting between military forces and joint resistance groups, including the PDF and ABSDF. Following the clashes, two jets from Myitkyina dropped bombs near Moetar Pagoda and Taikkone village, killing six civilians and injuring over 30. Two members of the ABSDF also sustained non-critical injuries. Later, at around 6:15 p.m., three fighter jets from Myitkyina launched further attacks on Moetar village, dropping 500-pound incendiary bombs that resulted in additional civilian casualties and the destruction of several homes. A representative from Northern ABSDF stated, “One bomb hit a charity home in the western part of the village, killing seven people and causing widespread injuries. There is likely a high number of fatalities as bombs struck various parts of the village. The military junta continues to target innocent civilians, treating them as enemies, which is why everyone must remain cautious.”
