A military pilot from No.3017 Mingalardon Air Defense Battalion was shot in Shwe Taung Township, in Bago Region’s Pyay District at around 8:30 am on 17 April, according to a PDF official.

An information officer from the Bago Region People Defense Force (PDF) confirmed that military pilot, Major Aung Ko Zaw, was shot by No.3602 Pyay District People Defense Force- Battalion (3).

He explained: “The pilot came back to his hometown for a visit. We were waiting to attack him with landmines on the way. However, we postponed carrying out the bomb attack on him because his
wife and children were in the car with him. Today, we shot at him while he stopped his car, and he was buying some fruits near Warr Lal Ywar Thit Village. We were able to shoot him just once
because the gun jammed. And we also noticed that he had a gun, so we retreated quickly.”

According to a statement from the Bago Region PDF, the pilot is one of the 54 majors listed as pilots from the junta’s southern air command who fly the Mi-35P and Mi-17 aircraft that carry out
airstrikes in Sagaing Region, Chin State, Kayin State, Kayah State, and Magway Region.

A local resident in Shwe Taung Township said, “Yes, a person was shot. After a few minutes, the junta’s military trucks arrived at the scene, and then the wounded person was taken to Yangon by a
charity-owned ambulance. The junta troops then blocked all the roads and inspected the place.” 

Mizzima is currently investigating the condition of the victim.