Military junta forces have been conducting airstrikes on Gon Nyin Seik and surrounding villages in southern Thayetchaung Township, Dawei District, for approximately ten days, according to local residents and revolutionary forces.

On March 11, allied revolutionary forces captured the junta’s Win Wa strategic outpost, located on the Myeik-Dawei Union Highway (Route 8). Since then, junta troops who fled the outpost, along with reinforcing columns, have been trapped near Gon Nyin Seik village. Clashes with allied resistance forces have occurred almost daily in the area.

Reports indicate that the military has targeted Gon Nyin Seik, Si Taw, and Si Dat villages with aerial bombardments from March 11 through today, March 20.

Between 6:30 PM and 8:00 PM on March 19, a Y-12 transport plane dropped over forty 120 mm mortar bombs on Gon Nyin Seik, Si Taw, and Si Dat, according to the Allied Relations Officer for the National Unity Government’s PDF Brigades 33 and 34.

The officer further stated that today, March 20, between 9:15 AM and 10:20 AM, a Y-12 aircraft dropped nearly 100 more 120mm mortar bombs on the same villages and their surroundings. Additionally, a K-8W jet fighter dropped two 250lb bombs and conducted strafing runs with machine guns.

“At the moment, they are carrying out excessive aerial bombardments. Because ground clashes are also ongoing, we cannot yet confirm the full extent of the casualties or property damage,” the officer said.

He added that the junta force of over 100 soldiers appears to be trapped while attempting to reach a naval vessel from the Gon Nyin Seik village jetty. There are concerns they may attempt to establish a fortified position within the village.

Observation reports indicate that Y-12 aircraft have also been dropping ammunition, food supplies, anti-drone jammers, and drones to the trapped troops.

An official from the Tanintharyi Region Military Command noted that the junta may be preparing a counter-offensive to retake the Win Wa outpost.

From the start of the Win Wa outpost battle on February 10 through March 20, the military has targeted more than ten villages in southern Thayetchaung with airstrikes, as well as heavy artillery fire from naval vessels and ground troops.

The ongoing clashes, airstrikes, and artillery shelling have resulted in civilian casualties and the destruction of homes and Buddhist monasteries.

Regular airstrikes are also being reported along the road leading to the border town of Maw Taung, which is currently held by revolutionary forces.