Junta airstrikes targeted alluvial gold mining rafts along the border between Kyunhla and Kawlin townships in Sagaing Region, killing 6 people and destroying 15 rafts, locals reported.

Two fighter jets that took off from Homalin Airbase in Sagaing Region targeted mining rafts in the resistance-controlled area of Thahpanseik Dam, on the border between Kyunhla and Kawlin townships, at around 3:00 p.m. on March 15.

Local sources said that 6 workers extracting gold particles from soil pumped onto the rafts were killed in the air assault, with several others injured.

“There have been incidents before where gold mining rafts were hit by airstrikes. In the latest case, we’ve received reports that 6 people were killed and 15 rafts were damaged, though details about the casualties are still unclear,” a local told NMG.

The junta often carries out such airstrikes because it believes that businesses like mining operations in resistance-controlled areas provide taxes and funding to resistance groups.

For instance, on March 10, the junta carried out heavy aerial bombardments on alluvial gold mining rafts in the Ayeyarwady River near Hsinhkan Village in Bhamo Township, Kachin State, killing more than 30 workers.

Rafts at Thahpanseik Dam were also hit by junta airstrikes on January 14 and 25 this year, according to Infinity Group, which monitors and reports on the military situation in Sagaing Region.

Since November 2025, resistance forces have controlled the Thahpanseik Dam, its hydroelectric power plant, and surrounding villages.

Resistance forces have warned communities in Kanbalu, Kyunhla, Kawlin, Wuntho, Pinlebu, Paungbyin, and Mawlaik townships north of the Chindwin River in Sagaing Region to remain vigilant, as all are within the operational range of junta aircraft based at Homalin Airbase.