The junta’s airstrike on mineral mines in the Karen National Union (KNU) Brigade 6 area of Payathonzu (Three Pagodas Pass) Town, Kyainseikgyi Township, resulted in the deaths and injuries of a Chinese businessman and many workers.

On the afternoon of April 29, the junta’s Y-12 utility aircraft conducted six bombing runs targeting mining sites in the Makkatha mining area.

The bombed site was strewn with human remains, and the exact number and identities of the dead could not be confirmed. A Chinese mining business owner and at least 10 miners were also injured.

“The injured Chinese national was in critical condition and was transferred to Thailand for treatment, while the remaining wounded are receiving medical care on the Myanmar side,” a source said.

Chinese and Thai mining companies are among those operating in the region.

A source close to KNU Brigade 6 said the junta’s targeting of these mining sites may aim to disrupt key sources of tax revenue for the KNU.

“This attack suggests the junta may be trying to cut off the KNU’s revenue streams. Without security in KNU territory, Chinese businessmen are unlikely to come, and local investors will also be hesitant to do so,” he said.

Workers have fled to Payathonzu Town seeking refuge after the mines were bombed. The Makkatha and Thabyu mining areas, which primarily produce lead, have been frequent targets of junta airstrikes since 2022.

On March 31, the junta used drones to bomb Mawphahtaw Village near Makkatha, killing two women and injuring a child.

In Karen State, heavy fighting is currently ongoing south of Myawaddy Town and around Wawlay Village, while the situation in Payathonzu and nearby areas remains calm. Despite this, the junta has launched unprovoked airstrikes targeting civilians.