Renewed military airstrikes target Kanpetlet township

Destruction of civilian houses by airstrikes in Kanpetlet town on 24 October 2025 (Photo: Kanpetlet Township Administration Body)

Destruction of civilian houses by airstrikes in Kanpetlet town on 24 October 2025 (Photo: Kanpetlet Township Administration Body)

15 July 2026 – Myanmar military forces launched a series of airstrikes near Kanpetlet township in Chin State, further intensifying the ongoing conflict in the region.

At approximately 4:45 p.m., two fighter jets dispatched from the Tada-U Air Base conducted three consecutive bombing runs, dropping a total of six bombs on locations surrounding the township. 

The aerial offensive was prolonged by the continued presence of a Y-12 bomber aircraft, which remained airborne over the area until at least 5:13 p.m., according to local reports.

While no immediate casualties or structural damage have been confirmed, the incident reflects a persistent pattern of military operations in southern Chin State. 

Throughout 2026, both Kanpetlet and neighboring Mindat township have experienced frequent airstrikes, often involving coordinated sorties by fighter jets and Y-12 bombers.

These repeated aerial assaults, conducted by forces under the State Security and Peace Commission (SSPC), have become a defining feature of the escalating conflict in the region. 

The sustained use of air power in and around civilian-populated areas remains a critical security concern, heightening the risk of infrastructure damage and threatening the safety of local residents. – Reporting by Ben