Myanmar’s air force bombed a Karen residential area in Karen State with two 500-pound bombs early on 28 October, damaging houses, vehicles and a long-tail boat, according to a Thai local official.
Phongpipat Meebenjamas, chief of Mae Sam Laep subdistrict administrative organisation in Sop Moei district, Mae Hong Son, said a Myanmar Air Force MiG-29 fighter jet carried out the attack at about 01.15, targeting a village in Karen State opposite Sao Hin subdistrict in Mae Sariang district.
Two houses, one car, one motorcycle and a long-tail boat were severely damaged. Residents had evacuated about five hours before the bombing after receiving advance warning from soldiers of Karen Brigade 5, he said.
The attack also disrupted cross-border trade. Thai residents in Mae Sam Laep said Karen residents from Myanmar did not come to buy consumer goods at the local market on Wednesday morning, apparently fearing further airstrikes along their route.
Air attacks in Karen State near the Salween River, along the Thai border, have continued over the past week amid heavy fighting between Myanmar forces and Karen Brigade 5 in and around Hpapun township, according to the report.
Before the latest strike, the Karen National Union’s intelligence unit reportedly warned of Myanmar military aircraft movements at Taungoo airport and a possible air operation targeting civilians in the Phatha village area, allowing residents to leave before the attack.
