Kachin Rebels Down Two Junta Helicopters in Major Blow

[geovalin]

CJ

 

In a major escalation of the conflict in northern Myanmar, the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) claims to have shot down two military helicopters on 20 May in Bhamo Township, Kachin State.

 

Colonel Naw Bu, spokesperson for the KIA, confirmed to Mizzima that the aircraft were part of a three-helicopter convoy transporting reinforcements to the junta’s Military Operation Command 21 base. One chopper reportedly crashed near Shwegu, while the second was forced into an emergency landing. The third managed to escape in the direction of Myitkyina.

 

“The shootdown happened around 1pm near the MOC 21 base,” said Naw Bu. “They were targeted before landing, disrupting the junta’s ground operations.”

 

The incident marks a significant tactical success for the KIA, which has intensified operations against Myanmar’s military since the 2021 coup. It also underscores the increasing vulnerability of junta aircraft in contested zones like Kachin, where ethnic armed groups maintain strongholds.

State media acknowledged the crash but attributed it to a technical fault, claiming the helicopter went down after delivering supplies to frontline troops. Recovery operations are reportedly ongoing.

 

However, independent media outlets and ethnic resistance groups say otherwise. Both Myanmar Now and Myitkyina News Journal cited the KIA’s account, reporting that rebel fire brought down the helicopters during their mission.

 

This latest strike brings the total number of junta aircraft downed or lost since the coup to at least 16, according to independent tallies. The KIA alone is believed to have taken down five of them.

 

With both narratives clashing, one thing is clear: the skies over Kachin are no longer safe for the junta. As Myanmar’s military scrambles to maintain control, resistance forces are steadily growing in strength—and in firepower.

 

-2025-05-22

[malathione]

The day the freedom fighters get Manpads, is the day this war is over.

[simon43]

Excellent news!