At least 13 people were killed in Saturday's airstrikes by the government loyal to Myanmar's military (junta) in the rebel-held ruby mining area, a spokesman for an armed opposition group said.

Civil war has raged in Myanmar since the military seized power in 2021. Myanmar's pro-democracy groups have long collaborated with active ethnic armed groups in places on civil society issues. Although military operations in the city of Mogok, the center of the ruby trade, have had little effect, the joint offensive that began in late 2023 has succeeded in seizing several areas, including Mogok.

Myanmar is known to be rich in precious stones and rare minerals. The army has taken the help of Chinese weapons to show its presence in the area. A local resident, who did not want to be named for security reasons, said that seven people died on the spot and six others died during the treatment. According to him, among the dead were a Buddhist monk and a father and son riding a motorcycle. Those eyewitnesses said, "A car moving from that area was also attacked and seven people including the driver were injured."