Myanmar’s junta has stepped up airstrikes on Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) territory in northern Shan State this week, despite the lack of ground clashes.
The armed group is being pressured by China to halt attacks on the regime.
Fighter jets conducted five airstrikes around a battery factory in the northern Shan State capital, Lashio – which is held by the MNDAA – on Friday afternoon, said Lashio Reconstruction, formed by the MNDAA to rehabilitate the war-torn city.
The airstrike killed a motorcyclist and destroyed factory buildings. Regime aircraft returned on Friday night, bombarding a residential area of Lashio with a powerful 500-pound bomb, wounding a resident and destroying houses, said Lashio Reconstruction. Four bombs from aircraft hit Kaung Haw village in Hseni Township, which has been liberated by the MNDAA, seriously injuring six villagers and destroying several houses.
On Wednesday, the junta conducted at least four airstrikes targeting a traditional alcohol factory and police stations in Lashio city and destroying several buildings.
The repeated airstrikes came while Peng Daxun, the MNDAA commander-in-chief, reportedly met Beijing’s representatives in Kumming, Yunnan Province, this week. Observers speculate that Beijing may be applying more pressure on the MNDAA to stop fighting and engage in talks with the regime.
The MNDAA and its allies liberated Lashio in early August after a month of attacks. The junta has since conducted around 30 airstrikes on the northern Shan State capital, disturbing the MNDAA’s efforts of governance and rehabilitation.
The MNDAA, Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) and Arkan Army from Rakhine State formed the Brotherhood Alliance that launched the successful Operation 1027 across northern Shan State in October last year.
The alliance has taken almost all of northern Shan State, seizing some 25 towns and townships and vital trade routes with China.
China has blocked border trade and gates at the areas liberated by the MNDAA and TNLA, creating hardship for residents.
In August, Beijing pressured the powerful United Wa State Army (UWSA) to implement a “five-cuts” strategy against the MNDAA aimed at denying access to electricity, water, internet, supplies and personnel.
Clashes are reported in Nawnghkio Township as the TNLA and allied Mandalay People’s Defense Force fight regime forces advancing into the township.
