The KIA has shot down two military helicopters in the Bhamaw frontline, Kachin State. The KIA has successfully shot down one of the three MI17 helicopters of the rebels who were sending reinforcements to Bhamaw, where the fighting is intense, and the helicopter crashed in a forest. The KIA has been able to find the crash site and has released photos of all the rebels on board. Another helicopter managed to fly to Shwe Ku, west of Bhamaw, but was badly damaged after making an emergency landing. The other managed to fly to Myitkyina.
The rebel forces have not been able to shoot down any military council helicopters since January 2024. The KIA’s downing now threatens to re-establish the military council’s air force for more than a year.