Three Civilians, Including a Child, Killed and Injured by Junta’s Indiscriminate Shelling in Bilin Township

May 22, 2025

HURFOM: In yet another tragic incident of violence against civilians, the military Junta launched an artillery attack on Pandeik Kone village, part of Kadipu village tract in Bilin Township, Thaton District, Mon State. On the night of May 21, 2025, between 8:18 and 8:20 PM, two 120mm mortar shells exploded in the village, causing multiple casualties among residents.

According to HURFOM’s field documentation and local eyewitnesses, Ma Aye Naing, 48 years old, the daughter of U Aik Bone, was killed on the spot due to the blast. Mi Nu, also 48 years old and the daughter of U Toe Tat, sustained serious shrapnel injuries to her right side. A young girl, Ma Khin Pa Pa Lin, aged just 11 years old, the daughter of U Bo Naing, suffered a direct wound to her right thigh.

These attacks occurred despite there being no clashes in the area at the time, pointing again to the Junta’s continued pattern of indiscriminate targeting of civilian populations. The use of heavy artillery in residential villages like Pandeik Kone is part of a growing trend this month where HURFOM has documented an alarming increase in artillery attacks, drone strikes, and airstrikes across Mon, Karen, and Tanintharyi Regions.

Throughout May 2025 alone, HURFOM has confirmed over 110 artillery and air attacks, resulting in at least 25 civilian deaths and dozens more injured, including children, women, and elderly villagers. Entire communities are being terrorized, with thousands forced to flee for safety into forests and makeshift shelters, where they are exposed to hunger, illness, and trauma.

“These repeated attacks on villages where no fighting is taking place show a heartbreaking disregard for innocent lives,” said a human rights defender working with HURFOM’s field monitoring team. “The junta is using fear and violence to control the population, and these actions are clear violations of international humanitarian law. This kind of impunity cannot continue. We urgently need stronger efforts to hold them accountable, along with increased cross-border aid and real protection for survivors and their families.”

Local humanitarian workers in Bilin Township, located in KNU Brigade 1 territory, also call on the international community to respond swiftly and decisively. They emphasize that the needs on the ground are growing every day and that immediate support is critical to saving lives and restoring dignity to those affected.

Written by HURFOM · Filed Under News