Myanmar’s junta launched aerial bombardments on Sangkha and Mazutyan villages in Hpakant Township, Kachin State, resulting in the deaths of eight civilians, including women, and injuring several others, according to local residents.

A local witness reported that a jet fighter bombed and machine-gunned the area around 11 am on 13 January.

“The situation in Mazutyan is worse. The target was a jade mining area. There are many deaths and injuries. It’s devastating to witness,” he said.

The junta’s Telegram propaganda channels state that the airstrike targeted a quarry where revolutionary forces were allegedly located and killed 11 individuals. Contrary to this claim, the strikes hit areas inhabited by civilians. The death toll is feared to rise as all reported casualties were non-combatants.

Images circulating on social media following the attack show some independent jade pickers, falling to their deaths as a result of the airstrikes. The pickers make a living scavenging tailings from larger operators.

In a related development, the junta conducted airstrikes on the Lapukha and Sanlon gold mines in Tanai Township on 11 January, killing 18 civilians, according to sources from the Kachin Independence Army (KIA).

Meanwhile, in Hpakant, a mud dam collapse at a jade mine near Sabot village around 1 am on 13 January destroyed at least 50 houses and leaving several people dead, according to local residents.

Fierce clashes between the junta and the Kachin Independence Army were reported in Hpakant in June and July 2024, intensifying tensions in the region.

Mizzima continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding these incidents and the exact casualty figures.