Myanmar government forces launched air strikes against ethnic minority guerrillas in two areas of the country on Wednesday, local reports said.
Fighting has been raging daily in northern Myanmar in territory controlled by the Kachin Independence Organisation, representing the Kachin minority, and in the east by the Karen National Union, representing the Karen.
Both groups have struck alliances with the popular movement opposing the military junta that seized power in the country in February after ousting the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi.
Generally non-violent marches against military rule also continue in many cities and towns.
The Kachin and the Karen have been struggling for decades for greater autonomy from the central government and have their own well-armed and trained military units, whose help the protest movement has been seeking to counter the government’s armed might.
Myanmar Regime Aircraft Bomb Kachin Villagers
Teenagers unload supplies for a temporary camp in Momauk, Kachin State. / Bhamo Platform
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By The Irrawaddy 29 April 2021
Myanmar’s military has launched airstrikes for six days on Momauk Township, Kachin State, forcing villagers to flee, according to the Kachin Baptist Convention (KBC).
Frequent air raids followed fierce fighting between the regime’s forces and the Kachin Independence Army (KIA). Fighting has intensified near Myothit and Kon Law villages after the KIA occupied the strategic Alaw Bum base near the Chinese border and attacked two police outposts and a military base at Tarpein Bridge in Momauk Township in late March and early April.
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