September 6, 2024
In the early hours of September 6, at approximately 1:30 AM, an airstrike carried out by junta forces on Namkham, Northern Shan State, resulted in the deaths of 11 civilians, including a pregnant woman and two children. According to a statement from the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), another 11 people were injured in the attack.
The airstrike, involving two 500-pound bombs, targeted residential areas near the night market and the Kyauk Phyu Hall in Namkham. The explosion caused widespread devastation, with six homes destroyed. The fatalities included five men and four women, and the wounded comprised two children, four men, and five women.
Among the casualties was a pregnant woman, further intensifying the tragedy. TNLA confirmed that this is the first airstrike on Namkham since the town came under their control.
In addition to this airstrike, junta forces also bombed other towns in Shan State earlier in the month. An attack on Mantong on September 3 and another on Thibaw on September 4 resulted in the death of one civilian and injuries to three others.
Namkham, located near the Chinese border, has been under TNLA control, and this recent attack highlights the escalating military operations in towns controlled by ethnic armed groups. The TNLA has condemned these daily airstrikes as deliberate attacks on civilian targets, accusing the junta of committing war crimes.
