The junta carried out a series of airstrikes in Mindat Town in Chin State and Shwebo Township in Sagaing Region, killing scores of civilians and prisoners of war (PoWs), according to locals and resistance forces.

Notably, the coup regime has begun using a tactic of conducting drone reconnaissance on those who rush to assist the wounded after initial strikes, followed by renewed bombing attacks, the Chin People’s Union/Chin People’s Army (CPU/CPA) warned.

The junta carried out 11 airstrikes on Mindat Town over a 24-hour period from the night of May 11 to the evening of May 12, killing four people, including prisoners of war, and destroying at least 15 homes and 10 administrative offices.

“Unlike in the past, warplanes no longer return to base after bombing; instead, drones monitor the targeted area, and when rescuers arrive, the aircraft return and strike again. This is a nasty tactic increasingly used by the junta,” a CPU/CPA official said.

A monastery in Metaw Village, Shwebo Township, was hit by two bombs dropped by junta aircraft on May 11, killing a 30-year-old man at the scene and seriously injuring three others, including two women.

“In the middle of the night, bombs hit the monastery directly. We woke up to a loud blast and fled for our lives. The junta no longer spares monasteries and is now targeting them as well. There is nowhere safe, and no one dares to organize gatherings in the village,” a villager told NMG.

The junta has increasingly targeted non-military sites including religious buildings, civilians, and rescue workers.

Facing setbacks on the frontlines, the junta is increasingly relying on its air superiority to carry out widespread airstrikes, which are also intended to instill fear among the public.

As a result, resistance forces are urging the public to follow airstrike warnings and avoid gathering in large crowds.