Shwe Phee Myay, May 21, Shwegu
The junta regime released a statement Tuesday evening, denying that the Mi-17 helicopter crash was caused by a shooting, instead, it claimed it was a technical failure.
At around 1 p.m. on Tuesday, the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and allied resistance forces fired at two of three junta military choppers in Shwegu Township, Kachin State. The helicopters were reportedly heading to transport supplies to the junta’s military hub in Bhamo, residents told Shwe Phee Myay.
However, the junta’s statement claimed one chopper fell from 14,000 meters southwest of Bhamo town due to a technical failure.
Residents said that one of three junta choppers was severely hit by KIA and allied forces’ gunfire and fell in the jungle area west of Si Ngan village, Shwegu Township.
According to reliable Kachin sources, the chopper crash killed at least seven junta military officers, including recently promoted tactical commanders Capt. Kyaw Myint Htoo, Capt. Chan Thar, Capt. Myo Htet Aung, and other sergeants.
Bhamo residents reported that junta forces are limited to Military Operations Command 21, which are apparently being circled by anti-regime forces.
The KIA and its allies, which include People’s Defense Force loyal to the civilian National Unity Government, have seized over 300 junta outposts and bases.
The armed group and its allies have reportedly seized approximately 15 towns, including the former Kachin State Special Region 1, a rare-earth mining hub along the Chinese border. Additionally, the KIA has captured two towns in northern Shan State.
Clashes between the junta’s military and the KIA are currently intensifying in Bhamo. Consequently, the junta continues to rely on daily chopper transport to deliver supplies, weapons, ammunition, and reinforcements to their troops stationed at MOC-21 within the township.
Translated by #KLT
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