The Human Rights Foundation of Monland Condemns the Escalation ofJunta-Deployed Drone and Airstrikes Against Civilians in Karen and Mon States

March 25, 2025

For Immediate Release

The Human Rights Foundation of Monland (HURFOM) expresses alarm over the junta’s escalating use of airstrikes in Karen and Mon States, Burma, and calls for immediate international attention and a coordinated response to the attacks against civilians.

The military junta in Mon State has increased its drone attacks on villages in Kyaikhto Township, despite the absence of active clashes in the area. These targeted strikes have resulted in civilian injuries, the destruction of homes and public infrastructure, and considerable damage to livelihoods, including farms and businesses.

Military analysts have observed that the junta’s use of high-performance drones for targeted strikes has increased following Min Aung Hlaing’s recent visit to Russia. The primary perpetrators of these attacks are troops stationed at Light Infantry Battalion No. 207 and Artillery Regiment Command No. 310, located in Kyaikhto Township. These units are responsible for issuing and executing the majority of attack orders. As of March 15, at least seven villages in Kyaikhto Township have been repeatedly targeted, with over two dozen strikes documented.

The junta claims it is targeting resistance forces, but in reality, civilians bear the brunt of the violence. Many families have been forced to flee their homes, while others remain trapped in fear. Beyond drone strikes, the junta has intensified its deployment of airstrikes. Recently, two innocent lives were lost in Karen State when a junta jet fighter launched an airstrike on a peaceful village where no fighting had occurred. The attack has left local communities shaken, questioning the junta’s increasing pattern of targeting civilian areas without provocation. [Download Statement in PDF]

According to a field report released on March 21 by a human rights monitoring network, the military junta dropped bombs on Tabalukhokhee village in Kawkareik Township at 11:00 AM on March 19. The area lies within the Karen National Union (KNU)’s-controlled territory, and no armed clashes were seen during the strike.

A Yak-130 jet fighter, flown from Naypyidaw, delivered the deadly payload that killed two local men, aged 36 and 30. Both suffered fatal injuries from the blast. In addition to the heartbreaking loss of life, a family home and a small storage building were also destroyed. Locals and resistance fighters believe the attack is part of a growing pattern of fear tactics the junta uses.

Following concerns that joint resistance forces may soon challenge junta control over Kawkareik town, the military has ramped up shelling and airstrikes on surrounding villages—regardless of whether clashes are occurring.

This is not an isolated incident. Earlier in the month, on March 4 and 5, airstrikes were reported in Ason village and near a school in Dawplar (Baw Dine) village. Again, there were no armed clashes in those areas, yet civilians suffered casualties, and critical infrastructure was damaged.

HURFOM condemns these attacks and others that are being carried out by the junta with increasing frequency, risking the lives and safety of innocent civilians on the ground. Historically, the military junta has never faced accountability, and the absence of consequences has emboldened them to act with willful disregard for human rights. This trajectory demands an immediate reversal, and policymakers and global stakeholders must stand with the courage to support the momentum of the Spring Revolution.

Furthermore, HURFOM calls for targeted sanctions on aviation fuel and against members of the military junta, their affiliates, and family members, as well as a global arms embargo to immediately halt the supply of weapons to the regime, which is used to fire upon civilians. Protection mechanisms need to be enforced since domestic accountability pathways are unreliable. In addition, the international community should advocate for transitional justice for survivors and victims who have been denied their humanity and fundamental rights.

Media Contact
Nai Aue Mon, HURFOM Program Director
Email: auemon@rehmonnya.org
Signal: +66 86 167 9741

Written by HURFOM · Filed Under News