Junta intensifies airstrikes to support offensive in southern Chin State

By Admin 11 Jun 2026

DMG Newsroom

11 June 2026, Kanpetlet, Chin State

Myanmar military junta forces have intensified airstrikes in support of their ongoing offensive against resistance forces in southern Chin State's Kanpetlet and Mindat townships, according to local resistance sources.

The military launched the offensive in mid-May, deploying more than 2,000 troops from Saw Township in neighboring Magway Region.

While fighting continues on the ground, resistance sources said junta troops have relied heavily on air support to advance toward Mindat Town.

"The regime has been carrying out airstrikes almost daily, and aerial attacks have increased significantly in recent days," a local source told DMG. "Airstrikes have targeted both the eastern outskirts of Mindat and areas inside the town. The military is relying heavily on air power to attack frontline positions and rear areas."

Resistance sources said junta troops are advancing slowly under continuous air support while facing resistance from a coalition of Chin Defence Force (CDF) units and allied revolutionary groups.

On June 10, two junta fighter jets reportedly carried out airstrikes inside Mindat Town. The previous day, eastern parts of the township were targeted in at least six separate airstrikes.

According to local sources, the military also used fighter jets and Y-12 aircraft to carry out extensive bombing raids on eastern Mindat on June 8, dropping more than 50 bombs. Separate airstrikes on June 7 reportedly damaged dozens of homes in residential areas.

Military observers said junta forces are also regrouping around Saw Town as they prepare for further operations toward Kanpetlet, where fighting remains ongoing.

"The military is using maximum air power in an attempt to break the deadlock in southern Chin State," a monitoring source said. "Most clashes are taking place along key transport routes. Many civilian homes have been damaged, although most residents had already fled the area. Casualty figures remain difficult to verify."

According to local sources, the junta offensive is being carried out along two main routes, with military columns advancing from Saw Town and Kangyi Village.

Resistance sources said junta troops advancing toward Kanpetlet remain blocked about six miles from the town. Airstrikes on Kanpetlet have continued as ground forces struggle to make progress.

Salai Yaw Mang, spokesperson for the Chin People’s Union (CPU), said the military has changed its battlefield tactics during the current offensive.

"They are no longer advancing in single columns," he said. "Instead, they are spreading troops across wider areas and attempting to encircle resistance positions around both Kanpetlet and Mindat."

Despite the intensified offensive, CPU officials said Chin resistance forces and allied groups continue to hold their defensive positions.

According to figures released by the CPU, the military carried out 25 airstrikes in Matupi, Mindat and Kanpetlet townships between May 13 and May 22, killing at least two civilians.

Kanpetlet and Mindat towns were captured by the Chin Brotherhood and allied resistance groups in December 2024.