The military regime conducted multiple airstrikes in Hsenwi over the Christmas season, a township under the control of the Three Brotherhood Alliance since the ethnic armed groups captured it in November.

A woman who fled the town of Hsenwi to Lashio informed SHAN that planes from State Administration Council (SAC) dropped bombs around the town on Christmas Day. They targeted Pang Lor toll gate, Weing Liang, Mong Yen, and Lon Mauk villages, she said. Residents have been too terrified to assess the damages, leaving the full extent of destruction unknown. Poor phone connectivity has also hindered reliable information about the attacks.

SAC airstrikes also struck the town in northern Shan State on December 23, resulting in three fatalities, including a woman, and injuring ten. The attack caused damage to the hospital and at least 20 homes. Bombs landed near a hydropower station, and Peing Hon in Kun Kauk village-tract was also targeted.

After capturing Hsenwi Township, Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army has attempted to establish its own administration. They summoned village headmen on December 16 and instructed them to implement the armed group’s 6-point plan.

Since the beginning of Operation 1027 on October 27, SAC airstrikes and artillery attacks have claimed the lives of 18 people, including 7 females, and injured at least 30 civilians in the township. Additionally, around 200 houses have been damaged.

Representatives from Three Brotherhood Alliance engaged in a second meeting with SAC officials in Kunming, China’s Yunnan Province, from December 22-24. They discussed the deployment of their forces, the reopening of border trade routes, and other related issues. According to VOA’s Burmese section, the meeting failed to reach an agreement.