The military junta conducted another airstrike on Khampat town in Tamu District, Sagaing Region, around 10 am on 22 January, according to residents.
The residents reported that what appeared to be cluster bombs were dropped on Ward-4 of Khampat, and investigations are ongoing to determine if there were any casualties.
A local resident who wished to remain anonymous said: “We noticed the aircraft coming. It arrived just after 10 am. They dropped bombs only once, but there were about five secondary explosions once they hit the ground. We don’t know what type of bombs they were. We can’t say if there are any casualties yet because we’re still afraid to get close to the area.”
Currently, junta aircraft are still circling Khampat town and surrounding areas, and locals are warning people to remain vigilant.
On 16 January, the junta also bombed Ward-1 of Khampat and nearby Kanan village, killing a 3-year-old child and a people’s security member, while injuring several local civilians. About 16 houses were also destroyed, according to reports.
The junta also carried out airstrikes on Khampat town on 20 and 21 January and, making this the fourth bombing raid within a week, according to locals.
Located on the India-Myanmar border along the Kalay-Tamu highway, Khampat is a strategically important town that has been under the control of the National Unity Government (NUG) and allied resistance forces since 7 November 2023.
These repeated airstrikes on Khampat have occurred following the NUG’s recent announcement about plans to set up offices in the Sagaing Region.