Mizzima – February 20, 2025
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Daily airstrikes by Myanmar’s military junta in Monywa Township, Sagaing Region, have displaced around 10,000 residents, leaving them in desperate need of food and humanitarian aid, according to local relief workers.
Monywa Township, which is also the location of the Northwestern Region Military Command, has been subjected to frequent artillery attacks. However, the military has intensified its operations since January, using fighter jets, Y-12 bombers, and paramotor troops, local sources report.
Airstrikes were carried out continuously for a week between 12 and 18 February, forcing thousands to flee. A volunteer from We Are People, a local aid organization, described the worsening humanitarian crisis.
“With tens of thousands displaced, there’s an urgent need for food. Injured civilians require immediate medical attention, and essential supplies like rice, cooking oil, and salt are critically low,” he said.
Residents from villages including Nyaung Phyu Bin, Thitseint, Chaung Kauk, and Magyi Kone in Monywa Township, as well as surrounding areas in Chaung-U Township, have been forced to flee, according to relief groups on the ground.
“The bombings are relentless. They’re using paramotors and Y-12 aircraft for airstrikes, and artillery shelling with 120mm rounds and howitzers is ongoing,” said Ko Arr Kuu, a leader of the Monywa Township People’s Security Force (PSF).
On 12 February, an airstrike killed 12 civilians, including three children, and wounded at least 15 others. Subsequent attacks have claimed 16 more civilian lives, a member of the Public Administration reported.
“Monywa has become a danger zone for airstrikes. Bombings happen day and night, and we’re struggling to find safety,” said a displaced woman.
In recent days, the junta has expanded its aerial assaults to Chaung-U, Kani, and Kalay Townships. Resistance groups and humanitarian organizations have urged residents to dig or reinforce bomb shelters to minimize casualties.
On the afternoon of 18 February, an airstrike was reported in Kani Township, though the extent of the damage remains unknown.
To help residents protect themselves, the Ministry of Defence of the National Unity Government (NUG) issued safety guidelines, advising people to seek shelter immediately during air attacks. If indoors, they should stay in a designated safe room or take cover under sturdy furniture. If outside, they should find a low-lying area, cover their heads, and keep their mouths slightly open to reduce lung damage from blast pressure.