Myanmar air strikes kill 11 civilians amid junta conflict

On Friday, Myanmar military air strikes in Namhkam, located in northern Shan state, resulted in the deaths of 11 civilians and injuries to 11 others. The attacks occurred around 1 a.m. local time, targeting two areas within the town, according to Lway Yay Oo, a spokeswoman for the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA). Among the deceased were five men, four women, and two children, with damage reported to a local political party's office. The military's actions are part of a broader conflict following the 2021 coup, which has seen the junta facing significant armed opposition. The TNLA and other ethnic minority groups have gained control over various territories, including strategic border trade crossings, leading to increased military aggression from the junta. The junta has labeled the TNLA a 'terrorist' organization, threatening legal action against those who support or contact them. The ongoing conflict has resulted in widespread turmoil, with over 2.7 million people displaced since the coup, according to United Nations estimates. The junta's military operations are seen as retaliatory measures against civilian communities perceived to support opposition forces. As the situation escalates, junta chief Min Aung Hlaing has warned civilians in areas controlled by ethnic armed groups to brace for military counterattacks. This warning reflects the junta's determination to regain control and suppress the growing resistance, which has garnered rare public criticism from military supporters regarding the leadership's handling of the conflict.