Weekly Analysis: Increasing Use of Drone Attacks by the Military Junta Raises Alarm in Local Communities

March 24, 2025

Due to the junta’s extensive losses on the battlefield, the terrorist military junta is turning to other forms of attacks, primarily from the air. Their dependence on advanced weaponry and surveillance from countries like China, India, and Russia has been devastating for local communities who are the regime’s targets. In specific areas noted by the Human Rights Foundation of Monland (HURFOM), including Mon State, Karen State, and the Tanintharyi Region, civilians are being maimed by drone strikes carried out by the junta.

The military in Mon State has intensified its drone attacks on villages in Kyaikhto Township despite no active clashes in the area. These targeted strikes have led to civilian injuries, the destruction of homes and public infrastructure, and significant damage to livelihoods, including farms and businesses.

Military analysts have noted that the junta’s use of high-performance drones for targeted attacks has increased following the leader’s recent trip to Russia. The main perpetrators of these assaults are troops stationed at Light Infantry Battalion No. 207 and Artillery Regiment Command No. 310, based 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 attacked, with over two dozen strikes recorded.

“More than 20 homes have been destroyed, and at least 14 people have been injured, four of whom are in serious condition. The attacks have been particularly severe in Pyinkadone Kone, Khayae, Sitkwin, Mokekha Moh, and Thone Kwa villages,” said a resident.

The junta asserts these attacks target the opposition forces, but in reality, it is civilians who bear the brunt of the violence. Many families have been forced to flee their homes, while others remain trapped in fear.

A 45-year-old man from Kyaikhto Township shared his firsthand experience:

“Our home was hit by a drone attack on March 1 in the afternoon. I grabbed my three children and my wife, and we ran as soon as we saw the shells dropping. We left everything behind and haven’t returned since. My children are still traumatized by what happened,” he said.

Another villager from Sitkwin confirmed the severity of the situation:

“In the first week of March alone, the junta carried out at least eight separate attacks on our villages,” he said.

Beyond drone strikes, the junta has also intensified heavy artillery shelling in the region. Since March 1, Artillery Regiment No. 310 has fired at least 10 heavy artillery shells, while Light Infantry Battalion No. 207 launched eight additional strikes, causing further devastation in Kyaikhto Township.

Between March 4 and 6, junta forces escalated their offensive with airstrikes and heavy shelling, causing widespread panic and forcing many civilians to flee their homes. Farms and agricultural land have been severely damaged, adding to the economic hardship of already struggling communities. Further, on March 12 and 13, drone attacks struck Kanyin Ai, Wardadkwin, and Mokekha Moh villages, injuring two resistance fighters and four civilians.

The junta’s aerial assaults have not been limited to Mon State. In February, similar air raids targeted two villages in Bilin Township, Mon State, and Anankwin village in Kyainnseikyi Township, Karen State. These attacks destroyed at least 26 homes and injured more than 13 civilians.

The indiscriminate and systematic attacks on villages in the Mon and Karen States reflect a clear strategy of targeting civilians under the pretext of military operations. As a result, families are being torn apart, livelihoods are being destroyed, and entire communities are being displaced.

Overview of Main Cases

• Junta Forces Use PSMS System to Target and Arrest Youth and Activists at a Mon State Checkpoint
According to local sources, junta forces and their affiliated departments have been using the Person Scrutinization and Monitoring System (PSMS) to inspect and detain individuals they deem suspicious at the entry and exit points of Mawlamyine.

On March 15, a young man was arrested at a junta checkpoint near Attaran Bridge in the industrial zone after being screened through the PSMS system. Junta-controlled media and sources close to the regime confirmed the arrest.

• Secretive Forced Recruitment for Batch 11 in Townships in Mon State
The junta continues its forced recruitment drive in Mon State, secretly conscripting young people from Mawlamyine, Kyaikmayaw Township, Thanbyuzayat Township, and Kyaikhto Town for Batch 11 military training. According to local sources, authorities have resumed recruitment efforts, sending summons letters and collecting conscription fees from residents.

Between February and March 2025, ward leaders and local administrators discreetly delivered conscription notices, summoning young people for military training. Recruitment letters were sent out secretly, and officials personally delivered some between February 15 and March 13.

• Local Man from Myeik Dies Four Days After Being Shot by Junta Troops
A 44-year-old man from Myeik, U Rama Zan Khan, succumbed to his injuries four days after being shot by junta troops in Yebyu village, Tanintharyi Township, Myeik District.

On the morning of March 11, U Rama Zan Khan and his son were traveling by motorcycle to buy goats when they were suddenly fired upon by junta troops stationed in an ambush near the No. 3 Military Strategy Camp of the Coastal Region Military Headquarters.

• Junta Launches Air and Naval Attacks in Launglon Township, Injuring Civilians
On March 13, clashes erupted between the People’s Defense Forces and the military junta in Launglon Township, #Dawei District. The PDFs launched simultaneous attacks on two junta bases. The fighting began around 7:00 AM, prompting the junta to respond with airstrikes and naval fire.