This footage, provided by a People’s Defense Force cameraman, shows him and his comrades taking cover in an entrenched position as pro-Junta forces drop an airstrike dangerously close to their location.

Despite considerable gains on the ground, the anti-junta forces and ethnic militias opposing the government in Myanmar have a pronounced weakness.The State Administration Council, otherwise known as the Junta, benefit substantially from utilizing air assets against anti-Junta militias. To date, the People’s Defense Forces have had little to no counter capabilities to defend against them. MANPAD systems are trickling into the country via black market sales, although rumor suggests China may be clandestinely providing them. Despite this, anti-junta forces are still attacked from the air, as shown here. However, naturally, video of air strikes this close are pretty rare, as footage gets destroyed.

About the Author

Cole Simms

Cole Simms is an Air Guardsman, NASA enthusiast, police officer, and security contractor with particular experience in austere environments. Outside of work, he volunteers as a Stop The Bleed instructor for area schools. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Homeland Security and Emergency Management, and blends his knowledge and experience to write analysis for Funker530.

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