Weekly Analysis: Airstrikes Wreak Havoc and Terror Across Southeastern Burma

February 24, 2025

February 2025 | Week Three

Over the past week, the Human Rights Foundation of Monland (HURFOM) documented several instances of junta-deployed airstrikes in our targeted areas of Mon State, Karen State, and the Tanintharyi region. According to a statement from the Karen National Union (KNU) Central, junta forces bombed three villages in Kyaikhto and Bilin Townships, Mon State, on February 13, despite the absence of ongoing clashes. The airstrikes resulted in three fatalities and ten injuries. On the same day, three 500-pound bombs were dropped on Pain Nae Kone and Kaw Kat villages in Kyaikhto Township, as well as Ta Gay Laung Chaung Phyar village in Bilin Township.

The bombings destroyed over 20 houses and caused significant damage to religious structures, including pagodas, monasteries, and Christian churches. The KNU condemned the attack, asserting that the junta deliberately targeted civilian areas. All three villages that were bombed are situated within KNU Brigade 1’s administrative jurisdiction in Thaton District.

According to sources close to the resistance forces and local residents, among those killed and injured in Pain Nae Kone village, two of the deceased and five of the injured were resistance fighters. Since the start of 2025, the military junta has consistently launched airstrikes in KNU-controlled areas of Thaton District. The most recent attack has compelled over 200 residents of Pain Nae Kone village to flee their homes in search of safety.

This marks the first time the junta has carried out airstrikes in Kyaikhto Township, signaling an alarming escalation in its military aggression against civilian populations.

Then, on February 17, residents of Naung Pin Kwin village, Tanintharyi Township, reported that a junta airstrike set fire to more than 20 homes, including a library building, leaving the area in ruins. At 5:00 PM, junta aircraft launched four consecutive airstrikes, targeting the village and surrounding areas. Jets and helicopters dropped nearly 20 bombs, causing widespread destruction, but no casualties were confirmed.

Earlier that morning, intense clashes had erupted between junta troops and resistance forces near Naung Pin Kwin and Thein Khun villages. Following this, at 4:30 PM, a jet fighter carried out the first strike on the village’s eastern side. Just 30 minutes later, a helicopter launched a second wave of attacks, destroying more than 20 homes, including a school.

The relentless bombings and ongoing battles have forced nearly the entire population of Naung Pin Kwin village to flee, leaving their homes and belongings behind.

Since early February, Hton Ma Khar and Naung Pin Kwin villages have become battlegrounds, with repeated clashes between junta troops and resistance forces. The junta also carried out airstrikes on Hton Ma Khar village on February 3 and 4, further escalating the humanitarian crisis. The junta’s continued offensives in Tanintharyi began in mid-December, as they attempted to regain control over the strategic Myeik-Tanintharyi road, triggering near-daily clashes.

Overview of Main Cases

Junta Resumes Forced Conscription for Batch 10 in Mon State

Authorities have resumed recruitment efforts for Conscription Batch 10 in Mon State, targeting young people across Mawlamyine, Kyaikmayaw, Mudon, and Kyaikhto. Throughout January and February, the junta actively gathered new recruits for Batch 10, with ward administrators discreetly collecting conscription fees in various neighborhoods in Mawlamyine from February 10 to 13. Recruitment notices were personally delivered, and administrators facilitated the conscription process.

Six Young Men Abducted by Pyu Saw Htee Militia in Bilin Township

In Bilin Township, Mon State, at least six young men riding motorcycles were abducted by the Pyu Saw Htee militia. Between February 6 and 10, junta troops and Pyu Saw Htee militia members—disguised in civilian clothing and armed—conducted phone checks on young men traveling between Taung Soon and Thaung Gyi villages.

Local Man Shot and Killed by Junta Troops in Kyaik Hto

A local man was shot and killed during a raid conducted by junta troops in Malawt Chaung village, Kyaik Hto Township, Mon State. On the evening of February 12, at around 5:00 PM, junta troops stormed the home of 50-year-old U Kyaw Aung, a resident of Malawt Chaung village, and attempted to arrest him. When he tried to flee, the troops opened fire, hitting him with three gunshot wounds, which led to his death.

Junta Arrests 17 Young Men in Tanintharyi, Forcing Them Into Military Training

On the night of February 17, 2025, the military junta arrested 17 young men in Tanintharyi Town, Myeik District, and forcibly sent them to military training.