Enemy Air Route (EAR), an aviation monitoring group,reported that the Military Council used a variety of aircraft, includingfighter jets, helicopters, and China-built Y-12 light transport planes, toconduct a minimum of 20 bombing attacks across several frontlines, includingRakhine State, since the initiation of 'Operation 1027' by the ThreeBrotherhood Alliance.

From November 20thto December 3rd, the Junta’s air forceconducted raids over combat zones, including northern Shan State, RakhineState, Karen State, Karenni (Kayah) State, Chin State, and Sagaing Region,utilizing Y-12s, twin-engine turboprop utility aircraft.

During a minimum of 20 air strikes, Y-12s dropped between 4and 45 bombs in each instance, EAR reported.

The Y-12s are primarily deployed for training, transport,and parachuting exercises. However their current utilization has shifted toinclude airstrikes.

Y-12s exhibit a limited capability for precise targeting inbombing, thereby posing a relatively low risk to resistance forces.Nevertheless, EAR has issued a cautionary note, pointing out that the MilitaryCouncil is also targeting residential areas.

EAR advises civilians that if they observe Y-12s flying at aslower pace, distinct from jet fighters, they should quickly seek refuge inbomb pits, bunkers, or trenches and take cover. This monitoring group also shared that due to Y-12s' slower speed compared to jet fighters, thepublic will have more time to evacuate their homes and find safe shelter.

Y-12s are  high wing twin-engine turboprop utilityaircraft built by Harbin Aircraft Industry Group of China.According to EAR,Y-12 aircraft boasts several advantages, including its capability to coverdistances up to 800 miles, sustain flight for over 5 hours, it has a compactbody necessitating e only a short runway and the flexibility to take off andland at any airport.

The drawbacks of the aircraft include its limited enginepower, restricting its capacity to carry substantial weight, be it passengersor weaponry. As it was not designed for combat purposes, Y-12 lacks thecapability to achieve high speeds, altitude, and maneuverability akin to jetfighters.

Y-12 aircraft, measuring approximately 50 feet in length andcharacterized by a nearly rectangular body structure, is equipped with a singleturboprop engine on each side under the wings, a fixed landing gear, and emitsa sound reminiscent of the whirring of houseflies, according to EAR.

EAR added that the enemy has adopted a new strategy,reportedly opening the rear doors of Y-12s and dropping bombs from there,citing sources within the Military Council.

At present, the Military Council has six Y-12s in activecombat service, stationed at airbases and airstrips located in Hmawbi, Magway,Naypyidaw, Monywa, Mawlamyine, and Taungoo.