A Myanmar military airstrike destroyed the home of a Democratic Karen Benevolent Army (DKBA) leader on Saturday morning, located in the Payathonzu area near Karen State’s border with Thailand.
Multiple buildings in the compound—which is situated in Kyainseikgyi Township in the territory of the Karen National Union’s (KNU) Brigade 6—were damaged in the attack, according to KNU secretary for the district Padoh Saw Liston, who said that it appeared to be a targeted hit.
“It is impossible that they dropped the bombs mistakenly. It seemed that the attack was planned carefully because three fighter jets dropped bombs only on that compound,” he explained, adding that troops on board the aircraft also fired a .50 caliber machine gun at the site.
It was not known why the home, which belonged to DKBA head Col Saw A Wan, may have been singled out, although he and his family escaped the assault, according to the KNU.
Two people sustained minor injuries in the assault, Padoh Saw Liston added. The individuals’ identities were not confirmed at the time of reporting.
The DKBA, an ethnic armed organisation once signatory to the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement with the ousted government and military, has not openly opposed Myanmar’s February 2021 military coup, and has since engaged with the army.
Padoh Saw Liston described Saw A Wan as a “friendly” person known both for pursuing social welfare projects in the Payathonzu area, as well as liaising with junta officials. Photos of the DKBA colonel with junta deputy chief Soe Win and military negotiator Yar Pyae were found in his house after the attack.
Payathonzu has been previously targeted in bombings by the military council. Resistance fighters from the KNU, as well as those belonging to the anti-junta People’s Defence Force, are active throughout Brigade 6 territory.
