The junta launched an airstrike on Lang Se Village in Tsawlaw Township, Kachin State, using Y-12 utility aircraft on October 21, amid ongoing fighting with the Kachin Independence Army (KIA).

“We’ve received reports that the junta bombed Lang Se with Y-12 aircraft. The details on casualties and damage are still unclear,” said Colonel Naw Bu, spokesperson for the KIA.

U Saw Nwe Khun Sai, spokesperson for the Kagabu People’s Force (KPF), a resistance group, reported that the airstrike caused no casualties, but a house operating as a grocery shop was destroyed by fire.

“The area that was bombed is far from Khaunglanhpu-Lang Se, where the heavy fighting is happening. It seems the junta deliberately targeted civilians to scare the local population,” he said.

According to Colonel Naw Bu, heavy fighting is currently underway east of Lahayzi Mountain near Lang Se Village, as the KIA and allied resistance groups push back against a junta offensive.

Around 7:00 am on October 21, the junta dropped approximately 40 bombs from Y-12 aircraft around the KIA Battalion 6 headquarters in Hpakant Township, Kachin State.

Lang Se Village and its surrounding areas have frequently been targeted by the junta’s airstrikes, with attacks on September 22 and October 10 causing civilian casualties and significant property damage. As a result, the KIA has urged residents in its controlled areas to stay constantly alert to the threat of airstrikes.

In October and November 2024, the KIA-led resistance coalition captured Chipwi Township, including Pang War Town, as well as Tsawlaw Township in Kachin State. Lang Se, located in Tsawlaw Township, is known for its gold reserves.