A Myanmar fighter jet crashed during intense clashes between the military and the Karenni Nationalities Defence Force (KNDF), an insurgent group, in the eastern region of Kayah State, near Thailand's border. Both sides confirmed the incident, underscoring the growing challenges faced by the military junta since the 2021 coup.
Junta spokesperson Zaw Min Tun attributed the crash to a technical failure, stating the pilots had ejected safely and were in contact with the military. However, the KNDF claimed responsibility, asserting they shot down the jet using heavy machine guns. This information was shared on their Facebook page, although Reuters could not independently verify these details.
The incident highlights the escalating tension in Myanmar as the military grapples with opposition forces on multiple fronts. The insurgencies, led by ethnic minority groups and anti-junta militias, demonstrate a level of coordination unprecedented in Myanmar's recent history. The military-installed president recently expressed concerns that the country could break apart if the insurgency is not effectively addressed.
Conflict in Shan State, bordering China, has been particularly intense, displacing over 50,000 people and disrupting trade routes. In this volatile environment, hundreds of foreign workers, including victims of human trafficking from Vietnam and Thailand, find themselves trapped amidst the fighting. The Thai foreign ministry announced plans to evacuate 200 Thai nationals when conditions permit.
In Kayah State, the crash site, the fighting has been fierce, with the insurgent alliance claiming to have seized over 100 army posts. The conflict extends to central Myanmar's Sagaing region, with towns being assaulted by insurgents.
The military jet's crash near Loikaw, Kayah's capital, was confirmed by an anonymous military officer and a Karenni Nationalities Defense Force spokesperson. While the KNDF claims to have shot down the plane, the military officer could not confirm whether it was due to technical failure or enemy action. The search for the aircraft and its two pilots is ongoing.
This development comes amidst the broader backdrop of resistance groups emerging across Myanmar following the military's seizure of power in February 2021. While no warplanes were known to have been previously shot down by resistance forces, another ethnic armed group reportedly downed a helicopter in May 2021.
The resistance forces, lacking effective defense against air attacks, continue to face major offensives from the military, including airstrikes. These conflicts have driven hundreds of thousands from their homes, with most combat aircraft in Myanmar's military sourced from China or Russia.
The incident and ongoing conflicts underscore the deepening crisis in Myanmar as the military confronts widespread resistance and the country teeters on the brink of further destabilization.
