The military council carried out an airstrike on Kyaukme, northern Shan State, on the evening of November 30, resulting in the deaths of 10 civilians and injuries to 20 others, according to a statement from the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA). The attack targeted Inn Kyin Taung Ward and caused significant damage to nine houses.
The airstrike, conducted at 6:30 PM with a jet fighter, involved the deployment of 500-pound bombs. TNLA reported that the attack had no military justification and struck a densely populated residential area, where civilians were resting in their homes. “The area bombed is a large residential neighborhood with no military activities. The attack happened in the evening when people were at home,” said a local resident of Kyaukme.
Emergency medical teams transported injured individuals to hospitals for treatment, and recovery efforts for the deceased continued. Witnesses reported that the blast caused extensive destruction, leaving many families displaced.
This airstrike occurred just five days after the PSLF/TNLA officially announced its readiness for dialogue to resolve military tensions. On November 25, the group released a statement expressing its willingness to engage in peace talks. Despite this, the military council intensified attacks, disregarding the opportunity for negotiations.
Earlier in November, a similar airstrike in Naung Cho by the military council killed 18 civilians, injured 34 others, and destroyed numerous homes, highlighting an ongoing pattern of violence targeting civilian populations in Shan State.
