Junta Conducts Relentless Airstrikes in Dawei District: Grandfather and Grandson Killed, Civilians Injured

April 19, 2025

Dawei District, Tanintharyi Region – April 19, 2025
In yet another blatant attack on civilians, the junta forces launched multiple airstrikes this morning on villages near the Winwa Police Station in Thayetchaung Township. The indiscriminate bombing resulted in the deaths of a grandfather and his 7-year-old grandson, and injuries to at least four others, including a woman.

At approximately 10:30 AM, military aircraft dropped an estimated eight bombs on Yange, Chaungwa Pyin, and Mindat villages. Eyewitnesses confirmed that two bombs directly struck Yange village.

“One of the bombs hit the center of the village. A grandfather and his grandson were killed instantly,” said a local resident.

Reports further indicate that several homes were damaged, and residents are now living in fear of further attacks. No active clashes were reported in the area at the time of the bombing, underscoring the indiscriminate nature of the junta’s campaign.

The incident follows a wave of attacks over the previous 24 hours. On April 18, resistance forces launched an operation targeting the junta’s Winwa base around 6:00 AM. Gunfire exchanges continued until the evening, with the junta retaliating at 4:00 PM by bombing areas near the Winwa base and nearby bridge, using a jet fighter to drop six bombs. Later, around 11:30 PM, another round of airstrikes was conducted, despite the absence of any ongoing fighting.

“There was no confrontation when the bombs were dropped. The attacks appear to be designed solely to terrorize and displace civilians,” said a resident of Waeyit village, located near the affected areas.

Military analysts and local human rights monitors warn that the junta is rapidly escalating its operations in the southern Tanintharyi Region—particularly in areas surrounding the Dawei Special Economic Zone (SEZ), a strategic investment zone backed by Russian interests. This includes intensified troop reinforcements and increased air operations.

Earlier this afternoon, a young man named Paing Oo, currently taking refuge as a displaced person, warned his fellow villagers about possible military activity in the area. Using internet access from the Thai side of the border, he reported seeing junta aircraft flying overhead. He urged everyone to stay extremely alert, noting that the junta appears to be preparing military operations near Yange, Kywe Minn Kone, Kyauk Khamuak, and other surrounding villages in Dawei District.

At the same time, all phone and internet services in those villages have been cut off by the junta, making it nearly impossible for locals to receive early warnings or updates on the unfolding conflict. This has left residents in a highly vulnerable situation, with no access to communication and at great risk of being caught in attacks without any notice.

On the morning of April 19, at around 11:44 AM, three Mi-17 transport helicopters reportedly landed at Dawei Airport, delivering an estimated 100 additional soldiers to the area. Human rights defenders warn this may signal a wider campaign of repression and urge heightened vigilance and preparedness among local communities and aid organizations.

Written by HURFOM · Filed Under News