Airstrikes in Mon State have escalated since a new commander took over the junta’s Southeast Region Military Command, based in the state capital Mawlamyine, according to data compiled by Than Lwin Times.

In April, the previous regional commander, Major General Kyaw Lin Maung, was promoted to head the No. 4 Special Operations Bureau. Following his promotion, Brigadier General Thura Zaw Lwin Soe was appointed as the new regional commander.

Under Brigadier General Thura Zaw Lwin Soe — a native of Kyaikmaraw in Mon State — airstrikes across the state have become more frequent.

Data collected by Than Lwin Times shows that in the two months since he assumed the post, the junta has carried out at least 15 airstrikes in Mon State.

One notable development is that the junta has launched three airstrikes in the Ye Chaung Phya area, territory controlled by the New Mon State Party (NMSP), which is currently engaged in peace talks with the coup regime.

Townships such as Kyaikto, Bilin and Ye — areas where resistance forces are particularly active — have endured a growing number of airstrikes under the new regional commander.

Most of the junta’s aerial attacks have targeted civilian villages, gold mining sites and locations believed to be sheltering resistance fighters.

Since the new regional commander took office, airstrikes in Mon State have killed at least 20 people and injured nearly 40 others.

The Southeast Region Military Command is primarily responsible for overseeing defense, security and military operations in Mon State and Karen State.