Narinjara, May 20, 2025

Two out of three military helicopters transporting reinforcements to the No. 21 Operation Command Headquarters (Sakahka-21) in Bhamo Township, Kachin State, have been shot down, Colonel Naw Bu, responsible person for the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) Information Department, confirmed to Narinjara. 

Colonel Naw Bu stated, “At 1:00 PM today, three helicopters landed near the Bhamo Sakahka headquarters. When they arrived, we were alongside the KIA and the soldiers. When we all shot at them, we struck two of them. Out of the two that were struck, one performed an emergency landing in Shwe Ku, while the other went down in the woods roughly 15 miles from Shwe Ku and ignited. I was informed that the other one might have touched down close to Nampon Air Force Base in Myitkyina.” 

The assault occurred at 1:00 PM today, May 20, while the helicopters were returning to their bases from Bhamo.

According to Colonel Naw Bu, one of the two helicopters that were struck crashed into the forest and ignited, while the other performed an emergency landing in Shwe Ku. 

"We haven't received updates regarding the status of the aircraft that successfully landed," he stated. 

Everyone aboard the helicopter that crashed in the woods close to Shwe Ku perished, including the pilot. The helicopter went down close to Shweku Township, and the KIA retrieved the wreckage, according to a military source. 

At present, the KIA is battling alongside its allies to seize the city of Bhamo, and the combat is intense. The helicopters were ferrying troops and supplies, and were bringing back soldiers and patients to their air bases, but were shot down on their return trip. 

In January 2024, the KIA shot down a helicopter in Waingmaw Township and a fighter jet during the Battle of Nampheka. 

Reports indicate that the revolutionary forces have shot down a minimum of 10 military aircraft and helicopters in the four years following the military's ascent to power. 

Among these, the Karenni alliance, comprising the KA, KNDF, and Kalalata, downed two light fighter jets and one helicopter. 

Furthermore, the Arakan Army (AA) downed a military council helicopter and published a press photo showing AA soldiers celebrating their success in Operation 1027.  (Photo: Old File)