The Karenni National Defense Force (KNDF) has announced that the Myanmar military (Tatmadaw) used chemical agents in drone strikes during battles between the military and revolutionary forces along the Karenni-Shan border.

The KNDF stated that on December 7 and 8, troops from Battalion 422, based near Moebye, launched drone strikes with bombs containing S-PHOS (560) chemical agents in Moebye and its surroundings.

“A chemical agent was used in attacks. As a result, revolutionary fighters experienced symptoms such as dizziness and vomiting,” said Ta Eh Soe, a KNDF spokesperson.

The S-PHOS 560 chemical agent is similar to pesticide tablets used by farmers to protect agricultural products or animal feed from insects. It is not intended for human use but is instead a fumigant for storage purposes.

According to reports, when bombs containing the chemical agent exploded, they released heavy smoke that caused symptoms like dizziness, nausea, drowsiness, and physical weakness. Those who affect by this chemical required significant recovery time before symptoms subsided.

The junta used similar chemical weapon earlier this year, including during the March battles in Hsihseng and the July fighting in Hpasaung.

The KNDF also warned civilians to remain alert as the military has increasingly used drones to target both conflict zones and civilian areas.