The Myanmar military has adopted a dangerous "double-tap" airstrike tactic this year, returning to bomb initial strike locations within minutes to deliberately target rescue workers and medics, according to the Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar (IIMM).
Nicholas Koumjian, head of the IIMM—a UN body tasked with documenting grave international crimes in Myanmar—told KNG that the tactic violates international humanitarian law and could constitute a war crime.
"I first noticed the Myanmar military using this tactic this year. After the initial bombing, aircraft launch a second attack to harm aid workers arriving to rescue the injured," Koumjian said. "Under the laws of armed conflict, attacks are strictly limited to combatants. Secondary strikes target civilians and medical responders, making these acts even more serious."
In its annual report submitted to the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on August 11, the IIMM stated it is prioritizing investigations into double-tap airstrikes in Chin State, Kachin State, and the Sagaing Region.
International humanitarian law, including the Geneva Conventions, explicitly protects medical personnel, rescue workers, and humanitarian staff assisting the wounded during armed conflicts.
The warning comes as civilian casualties from regime air raids continue to mount. According to data from the Kachin Human Rights Watch (KHRW), the junta conducted 85 airstrikes targeting civilian areas in Kachin State between July 2025 and June 2026, killing approximately 130 people, including children.
"The regime routinely bombs places where civilians gather—including markets, prayer ceremonies, funerals, and areas near schools," said Daw Sai Mai, director of KHRW, noting that widespread telecommunication blackouts across Kachin State mean actual casualty figures are likely higher.
Notable incidents documented in Kachin State include a September 29, 2025 airstrike on a market in Sadon Town, Waingmaw Township, which killed eight civilians, including three children. On January 21, 2026, a regime bombing targeting a funeral prayer gathering in Kawngjar Village, Bhamo Township, left around 50 civilians killed or injured.
Reports of similar tactics have surfaced in other regions. In Mindat Township, Chin State, the junta has reportedly paired initial bombings with drone reconnaissance to monitor rescue operations before launching follow-up strikes, according to reporting by Network Media Group (NMG).
Established by the UN Human Rights Council in 2018, the IIMM collects and preserves evidence of genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity committed in Myanmar for future criminal prosecutions. The body is currently documenting atrocities committed by all parties, including post-2021 coup violations and crimes against the Rohingya.
