Junta airstrike kills gold miner, injures three in Sagaing Region

A junta airstrike on gold mining sites along the Chindwin River in upper Sagaing Region killed a civilian worker and injured three others on Tuesday, resistance forces reported. At approximately 11am, the airstrike targeted a small-scale gold mining operation near Oe Bo Ka Tauk and Nat Set villages, located on the banks of the Chindwin River between Homalin and Paungbyin townships. The deceased was identified as 28-year-old Htun Naing Win, from Kani Township. Three other men survived the attack. Despite no fighting in the area, resistance groups said that a junta transport helicopter dropped at least 10 bombs onto the mining sites. Since late last year, resistance forces have taken full control of Shwe Pyi Aye Town and maintain authority over many villages nearby Homalin and Paungbyin.It’s not the first time the area has been targeted. In December 2024, junta airstrikes hit gold panning sites in the same location for two consecutive days. The assaults killed two civilians and injured seven others. A month later, attacks on the riverside gold mining operations have returned. The gold miners work by excavating sand and rocks from rivers and streams to search for, filter, and collect gold particles. A May 2022 report by Citizen Action for Transparency (CAFT) found that gold mining in Hkamti and Homalin townships has expanded significantly since the coup. Once limited to riverbanks, mining now extends directly into the river itself. Junta motorboats and ships regularly navigate the upper Chindwin River to transport weapons, ammunition, and other supplies. Resistance forces frequently target these vessels in an effort to seize control of the waterway. Facing offensives on multiple fronts, the junta has intensified airstrikes, hitting both conflict zones and civilian areas. Since January, strikes across Sagaing, Mandalay, Kachin, Rakhine, and Shan states have killed dozens of civilians, including children.

Junta airstrike kills gold miner, injures three in Sagaing Region

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