CNI News

8 Dec 2022

The military junta has been using weapons purchased for national defence against ethinc peoples, a spokesperson of the Karenni National Defence Force told the CNI.

Recently, armed conflicts have erupted between the Myanmar military and allied forces of the KNDF in Kayah (Karenni) State and the military is using assorted weapons during the fighting.

The KNDF spokesperson told the CNI, "They are using assorted weapons including airstrikes, bombing, howitzers, missiles and landmines, which are mainly and excessively. Landmines were excessively laid in large numbers of villages, where the military had stationed, by junta troops that it was impossible for villagers to return to their villages. The military is using weapons purchased for national defence against ethnic peoples."

KNDF troops fighting against the military. (KNDF)

The military has been relying more on airstrikes in armed conflicts since 1st February, 2021.

The military is using weapons compatible with the current battlefield, Director U Thein Tun Oo of the Strategic Studies told the CNI.

He said, "It can be said that the military is using weapons compatible with the current battlefield. However, the other side, which does not possess airpower, may criticize the military for airstrikes. On the other hand, when a battle is fierce and the other side is using various ways and means to win victory, the military will use all necessary weapons for a limited period of time. The indiscriminate use of the term 'national defence' is inappropriate. I think the military is using weapons compatible with relevant battlegrounds."

A protest against the military rule in Myanmar. (GETTY IMAGES)

Resistance forces said the military was using air support, warships and air-to-surface and surface-to-surface missiles in the ongoing fighting.

Currently, fighting has erupted in Sagaing and Magway regions and Chin, Kayah and Karen state and local residents have been displaced while their properties were burnt down.