At least five civilians, including a five-year-old girl, lost their lives when Myanmar junta warplanes targeted Namkham Township in northern Shan State in response to continuous attacks by the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), the Irrawaddy reported citing local volunteers.
The Ta’ang Women’s Organization (TWO) reported that the airstrikes occurred around midnight on Wednesday, causing additional injuries to four individuals, including a six-year-old child.
The TNLA, a member of the Brotherhood Alliance engaged in Operation 1027, seized Namkham town on November 7 and is currently in fierce combat to capture the last major junta stronghold in Namkham Township, particularly the Sakan Thit base.
The junta has reportedly launched numerous air and artillery strikes in recent days, with the TNLA claiming the use of chemical bombs during the battles.
The civilian casualties follow a previous incident on Monday when a junta warplane targeted Thapyay village in Lashio Township, resulting in the death of two women and injuries to two others.
In its ongoing offensive, the TNLA reported taking control of at least three more junta bases in Kutkai, Manton, and Kyaukme townships on Thursday.
The Brotherhood Alliance, comprising the TNLA, Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army, and Arakan Army, claims to have seized over 55 junta bases in multiple townships in northern Shan since October 27.
As the conflict escalates, the junta has intensified attacks on civilian communities, causing the death of at least 309 people and injuring 413, according to the parallel National Unity Government (NUG).
Indiscriminate shelling and airstrikes in northern Shan State alone have reportedly killed at least 100 civilians and injured 160 as of November 30.
Junta leader Min Aung Hlaing, facing significant defeats on multiple fronts, recently awarded medals for gallantry to personnel, including those killed in the nationwide resistance offensive.
The move is perceived as an attempt to boost morale amid widespread defections and surrenders by junta soldiers.
Over 20 towns and more than 300 outposts have fallen into the hands of resistance forces since the launch of Operation 1027.
Civil servants and military personnel have defected in significant numbers, forcing the junta to acknowledge their contributions in an effort to maintain support.