The Military Council, weakened by setbacks due to the 'Operation 1111,' has notably diminished its ground forces' capability, and is turned to increasing drone bombing attacks.

Drones are increasingly utilised by the Military Council, as its ground forces are losing their capacity to resist the advances of the resistance in the ongoing skirmishes in Loikaw Township of Karenni State, according to a spokesperson for the Karenni Nationalities Defense Force (KNDF). "Junta troops are increasingly turning to drones due to their severely depleted ground forces”, the KNDF spokesperson told Kantarawaddy Times.

In the early stages of ‘Operation 1111’, the Military Council primarily employed shelling and airstrikes in clashes around Loikaw. However, the Junta's utilisation of drone attacks has surged in frequency since the beginning of 2024.

Even on days without clashes in Loikaw, the Junta troops dropped flame bombs from drones, inflicting damage upon houses and other structures.

"The Military Council is employing both drones and artillery, frequently resorting to artillery barrages and airstrikes during intense battles. On the other hand, drones are being used even on non-combat days, with their usage becoming increasingly common”, KNDF spokesperson added.

Resistance forces have cautioned displaced individuals against returning home at this time, citing the looming threat of Junta’s drone-dropped flame bombs and landmines, in Loikaw.

"In Loikaw, the damage is escalating on a near-daily basis, with numerous locations in the town now reduced to ruins. While some areas like Nambawwan and Kyitharyar wards retain a semblance of normality with residents and shops still operational, the overall security situation in Loikaw remains precarious, hence it is advisable not to return there yet”, a Loikaw resident said.

Junta troops are stationed not just within the Regional Command headquarters in Loikaw, but also in government offices, schools, religious places and high-rise buildings.

During the third week of February, Junta troops used drones to unleash flame bombs in downtown Loikaw, resulting in the burning and destruction of numerous buildings.

According to the Karenni State Interim Executive Council (IEC), around 300 buildings in Loikaw have suffered damage from the Junta's airstrikes, shelling, and drone attacks during the ongoing 'Operation 1111', with approximately 100 of them being reduced to ashes.