KAREN—A fighter jet from the Hmawbi Air Force attacked No. 6 Megatha lead mining site in Payathonzu Township on Dec. 2, according to the People’s Defense Force (PDF). No casualties were reported. This follows a previous junta airstrike on mining sites located in Kyainseikgyi and Payathonzu towns on Nov. 29. “Chinese nationals pay taxes to the Karen National Union (KNU) and operate the lead mining sites between Kyainseikgyi and Payathonzu,” a local said. On Nov. 21 the junta air force struck two mining sites in the KNU Duplaya District. Buildings were damaged, according to a KNU spokesperson. The junta air force has increased its airstrikes on KNU-controlled territory in recent months, as the conflict between the KNU and the Burma Army has escalated. Three Chinese nationals were killed, and eight others were injured, after an airstrike on a mining site in Payathonzu Township on Nov. 16.