The Brotherhood Alliance has accused Myanmar’s junta of increasing attacks on civilians in rebel-held territory as it faces defeat, killing its own defeated troops in the attacks.
The alliance of the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) and Arakan Army (AA) said in its statement on Tuesday that the victims included children, the elderly, pregnant women, monks and captive junta troops and their families.
“We will document these atrocities and report them to neighboring countries and international organizations that oppose terrorism,” the Brotherhood Alliance said.
The group urged junta pilots to stop flying in operations that target civilians and called on the people to gather evidence of junta atrocities.
On Sunday and Monday, a junta airstrike targeted AA detention centers holding junta personnel in Pauktaw and Maugdaw townships in Rakhine State, killing over 70 people.
The AA said around 60 of the victims were regime troops and alleged informants. The Irrawaddy could not independently verify the reports.
Junta boss Min Aung Hlaing this month promised counterattacks to retake lost territory, leading to an increase in airstrikes on Magwe, Mandalay and Sagaing regions and Chin, Shan and Karenni states, reportedly killing at least 40 people, including 12 children.
On Sunday and Monday, junta aircraft targeted residential areas of Lashio, the capital of northern Shan State, which has been seized by the MNDAA, wounding several civilians and destroying houses and vehicles. Jets also destroyed a coal-processing plant in Hseni near Lashio on Tuesday, according to the MNDAA.
The Brotherhood Alliance has seized most of northern Shan State, including around 25 towns and vital trade routes with China, since launching Operation 1027 in October last year. Clashes are ongoing at Taung Hkam village in Nawnghkio Township where the TNLA is trying to seize two remaining junta artillery battalion headquarters.
The AA has seized most of Rakhine State, seizing over 10 towns and townships since November last year and the fighting continues.
