The Myanmar military is reportedly preparing a campaign of airstrikes targeting jade and gold mining sites in Kachin State, aiming to dismantle the primary economic pillars supporting revolutionary forces.
Military sources and local resistance fighters indicate that these resource-rich areas are being prioritized as they serve as vital revenue streams for the opposition. Amid escalating tensions, the Chinese government has reportedly urged its nationals working in these sectors to return home immediately.
Local activists in the region report a surge of Chinese citizens fleeing toward the border. “The situation is incredibly tense. Laiza and Mai Ja Yang are currently overflowing with Chinese nationals heading back to China,” a local activist told the Myanmar Pressphoto Agency (MPA). “Hotels are completely booked out. This mass exodus is a clear signal that the military is planning a major aerial offensive.”
In a striking development, many Chinese-owned mining sites have begun prominently flying Chinese national flags. Observers suggest this is a deliberate tactic to identify foreign-owned property and deter military pilots from striking these specific locations.
Political analysts believe that while the military may spare Chinese-owned assets to avoid diplomatic fallout, other mining operations controlled by resistance forces will likely face severe bombardment. “This strategy is not just about cutting off funding,” one analyst remarked. “It is intended to instill terror among the workers and local population, demoralizing them so they are too afraid to continue their work.”
Revolutionary groups have issued urgent warnings to civilians and workers at mining sites to remain vigilant. They are advising the construction of bunkers and the preparation of evacuation plans.
“The more the enemy suffers on the battlefield, the more desperate and reckless their actions become,” a resistance fighter warned. “We are urging everyone to monitor news closely and prepare to move to safety at a moment’s notice.”
As the military continues to lose ground in conventional warfare, its reliance on air power has become its primary tool for targeting the economic and psychological resilience of the resistance movement.
