At least four people were killed and two others injured when Myanmar’s military launched a paramotor attack on Pechet village in Natogyi Township, Mandalay Region, early Sunday morning, according to local residents.
Three paramotors bombed the village despite no clashes on the ground. The victims were identified as Khin Maung Win, Kyaw Naing, Khin Than Nu—all around 55—and 91-year-old Khin Tint, a Natogyi resident, told Myanmar Now. The attack also injured a 10-year-old child and a local resident explained.
“During the attack, three people died immediately,” a source said. “One more died later from severe injuries, making it four deaths. Two were injured. Their homes were also destroyed.”
Another local resident who wished to remain anonymous told Myanmar Now that the paramotors attacked at dawn when the mist had not yet lifted. About 10 bombs fell and exploded on homes in the area.
“Because the morning mist hadn’t cleared, no one saw the paramotors coming,” the resident said. “The bombs fell directly on homes while people were still inside.”
Kyaw Naing and Khin Than Nu, a married couple, were among the dead, along with Khin Than Nu’s 91-year-old mother, Khin Tint, sources said.
Sunday’s attack was the second bombing of Pechet village in recent weeks. A previous strike by a Y12 aircraft killed one resident and damaged 10 houses.
Locals also told Myanmar Now that the junta continued aerial attacks throughout Natogyi Township on Sunday evening, with military columns remaining present in the area.
The Myingyan People’s Movement Committee said Myingyan, Natogyi, Taungtha, and Ngazun townships were hit by drone, air, and heavy weapons attacks on the same day. The three townships east of the Ayeyarwaddy River have strong resistance forces that control much of the countryside.
The junta, which has announced plans to hold elections in late December, has stepped up efforts to reassert control over the region.
In addition to airstrikes, the junta has launched ground offensives in Myingyan and Natogyi townships, with pro-junta militias led by Thida Yu Mon joining regime troops to attack resistance forces using heavy weapons and drones.
“With various aircraft bombing from the air, the civilian population cannot stay safe,” another source said.
