17 July 2026 — Myanmar junta forces continued ground operations in southern townships of Chin State and neighboring Magway Region on 17 July, with troops advancing from Kyaukhtu toward Pan Hsan village while military aircraft carried out repeated airstrikes to support another advancing column near Saw township, according to local sources.
Local sources reported that a convoy of six military trucks carrying junta troops departed Light Infantry Battalion No. 368 in Kyaukhtu at around 7:00 am and arrived in Pan Hsan village. The column was estimated to comprise around 200 troops.
Later in the afternoon, around 150 troops from the force stationed in Pan Hsan village were seen moving north from the village. The destination and objective of the movement were not immediately known, although local sources warned that further military operations could take place and urged residents to remain vigilant.
Meanwhile, in neighboring Saw township, Magway Region, junta aircraft conducted repeated airstrikes along the Laung Shet–Saw road in support of another military column advancing from Defence Equipment Factory (KaPaSa) No. 25 in Laung Shet.
According to local sources, Y-12 bomber aircraft and fighter jets repeatedly targeted areas along the military column’s route, including areas near Kathaung Taung and Thee Kone villages. Bombs were dropped along both sides of the main road.
A fighter jet carried out two bombing runs on the night of 16 July, while a Y-12 bomber conducted two additional bombing runs at around 9:00 pm and 11:00 pm. Airstrikes continued on 17 July, with a Y-12 bomber attacking the same area before a fighter jet carried out another bombing run at around 12:00 pm.
Local sources said the Laung Shet column began moving from Magway Region on 10 July and has been advancing toward Saw Township since 13 July. During the operation, junta troops burned a civilian house in Ka Ka (Kan Hla) Village, located between Saw and Laung Shet, on 13 July. – Reporting by Ben
