Military airstrikes create chaos for MNDAA in Lashio
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Lynn/ Thuta Kyaw (NP News) - October 6
A person who recently left Lashio, unwilling to remain under the MNDAA control, told The Statesman journal, “As a result of the heavy casualties from the military's airstrikes, the MNDAA in Lashio has become frenetic.”
The military has conducted airstrikes on Lashio more than ten times in September and early October, with the most recent being four bombings occurring between 2:13 am and 5:20 am on October 4th.
The military has conducted airstrikes twice on the area between (121) West Road in Ward (8) and twice on the Chinese temple in Ward (5). Although the MNDAA frequently claims that civilians are affected in the airstrikes conducted by the military, they are often observed to conceal reports of their own members' fatalities.
Additionally, it is reported that telephone lines in Lashio were temporarily cut off due to the current situation.
"MNDAA mentioned yesterday that the phone lines have been temporarily cut off. The airstrikes have intensified, and there are sources providing information for it. It indicates they wouldn't have spoken up unless directly affected. It is officially spoken out. In reality, many in Lashio do not support them. It’s not that they favour the military, but they dislike the MNDAA even more. It's quite uncomfortable to live under MNDAA rule, as they are insurgents," he said.
It is also reported that there were significant casualties among MNDAA members during the airstrikes on the morning of October 4th.
"The death toll is expected to rise, as people are spread throughout the area, even though only a few have returned to Lashio. Those who oppose the MNDAA are sharing information with the military, enabling them to respond effectively when reports get. The majority of informants might be the local residents," he stated.
He also noted that cutting off telephone lines indicates that the MNDAA is suffering casualties from the airstrikes.
"The MNDAAs are in a dire situation. Their statement about cutting off phone lines has become quite evident. A large number of citizens do not support them, and information is being shared secretly. It's clear that they are feeling the impact of the airstrikes, which pose a threat to them. This outcry is happening because they are facing heavy causalities. The MNDAA seeks public support, but the cutting of phone lines indicates their difficult circumstances. If those lines were open, it would pose a danger to them," he said. –