The death toll from a junta airstrike in Sadon Town, Waingmaw Township, Kachin State, has climbed to 11.

The Kachin Independence Army (KIA) had initially reported that eight civilians were killed when two junta aircraft dropped bombs on Sadon on the afternoon of September 29. The death toll later rose to 11 after three more wounded individuals died while being transported for treatment, according to an updated KIA statement on September 30.

The junta carried out four bombing runs on KIA-held Sadon Town using jet fighters.

According to the KIA, the death toll has risen to 11, 6 people are receiving hospital treatment, and around 20 houses and shops have been destroyed.

The junta bombed Sadon despite there being no active clashes in the area. KIA spokesperson Colonel Naw Bu told MNJ that the airstrikes on civilian areas constitute war crimes.

“The junta deliberately bombed civilian areas in the town. There were no active clashes in Sadon, yet the junta carried out the attack. It may have done so out of spite, as it lost control of the town last year. We want to stress that airstrikes targeting civilians are heinous acts, war crimes,” Colonel Naw Bu said.

Some of the bombs dropped by junta aircraft in Sadon exploded near a school, killing children. Citing the incident, a political analyst warned that schools in other KIA-controlled areas should remain vigilant against the threat of airstrikes.

Sadon, located on the main highway linking Waingmaw and Kan Paik Ti in Kachin State, has been under KIA control since June 11, 2024.