Myanmar Junta Air Strike Kills 15 Civilians in Kachin State
Attack on Gold-Mining Area Leaves 10 Wounded
A Myanmar junta air strike killed at least 15 civilians and wounded 10 others at a market in a gold-mining area in northern Kachin state, according to a spokesman for an ethnic rebel group that controls the area.
Background
The junta has been accused of carrying out multiple attacks on civilian targets as it struggles to quell resistance to its 2021 coup. The Kachin Independence Army (KIA), which can call on around 7,000 fighters, has been battling the military for decades for autonomy and control of local resources in Kachin state. The state is home to huge jade mines and rare heavy earth elements, most of which are exported to China.
Attack Details
The latest attack happened around 11am on Saturday, Colonel Naw Bu, a spokesperson from the KIA, told AFP. "All those killed were civilians including gold miners and local shopkeepers," he said. The attack took place in a mining area in Tanaing township, in the western part of the state.
Images of Devastation
Images from local media showed a large crater in the middle of an area completely flattened and strewn with debris. A resident from the town who declined to be named told AFP three of the 10 wounded had since died.
Regional Context
The KIA controls swathes of Christian-majority Kachin state – home to the world’s largest jade mines. The region has seen heavy fighting in the wake of the 2021 putsch, with the junta accusing the KIA of arming and training the newer People’s Defence Forces that have sprung up to battle the junta.
Separate Attack in Arakan State
Separately, the Arakan Army reported that the junta had dropped 15 bombs during three attacks Saturday on a public market in the town of Kyauktaw in Arakan State. It said some civilians had died and others were wounded, but did not specify how many. The Arakan Army is engaged in a fierce fight with the military for control of Rakhine.
Conclusion
The Myanmar junta’s attack on a gold-mining area in Kachin state has resulted in the deaths of at least 15 civilians and the wounding of 10 others. The attack is the latest in a series of attacks on civilian targets by the junta as it struggles to maintain control in the face of growing resistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who is responsible for the attack on the gold-mining area in Kachin state?
A: The Myanmar junta is responsible for the attack, according to a spokesman for the Kachin Independence Army.
Q: How many civilians were killed in the attack?
A: At least 15 civilians were killed in the attack, according to the KIA.
Q: How many people were wounded in the attack?
A: 10 people were wounded in the attack, according to the KIA.
Q: What is the context behind the attack?
A: The attack is part of a larger conflict between the Myanmar junta and ethnic rebel groups, including the KIA, over control of local resources and autonomy.