Indiscriminate Shelling by Junta Forces Prevents IDPs in Yebyu Township from Returning Home

June 27, 2025

Yebyu Township, Dawei District, Tanintharyi Region

HURFOM: In southern Burma, the lives of hundreds of displaced villagers remain in limbo as junta forces continue indiscriminate artillery shelling across Yebyu Township. Despite no active fighting in the area, the Junta military has deliberately launched repeated heavy weapons attacks into civilian zones, forcing families—many of whom had hoped to return—to remain in hiding. The shelling has created a climate of terror in villages such as Minthar, Zardee, Yapu, and Natkyisin, where fear, trauma, and displacement have become a daily reality.

On 25 June, a naval vessel from the Mawrawaddy Command stationed near the Zardee stream fired at least five artillery rounds without provocation, according to local witnesses. Simultaneously, junta ground forces based in Kalein Aung fired at least two more shells toward the surrounding areas of Yapu and Tharyar Mon villages.

The shells reportedly landed near Kyauk Htayan and Tharyar Mon villages. While there were no casualties, residents told HURFOM that the explosions left villagers paralyzed with fear. “Some villagers tried to return, but most are too scared,” said an IDP originally from Natkyisin. “The sound of shelling has become a nightmare. We don’t feel safe in our own homes anymore.”

Earlier, on 17 and 20 June, without any clashes occurring, junta troops launched similar rounds of heavy artillery into Minthar and Yayngangyi areas, reinforcing a pattern of indiscriminate attacks. The shelling appeared aimed at intimidating the population rather than engaging in combat, said residents.

Many displaced families are not in formal camps but are instead sheltering in nearby forests, monasteries, or with relatives. As weeks stretch into months, they face growing challenges—limited access to food, clean water, medical care, and safe shelter.

The crisis began to escalate significantly in mid-April when tensions rose between junta forces and local resistance in Minthar tract. Since then, over 1,000 people from at least five villages, including Natkyisin, have fled. The June 15 clash near Paya village—located close to Zardee—sparked further artillery shelling, with junta forces continuing to fire toward populated areas even after the fighting subsided.

Written by HURFOM · Filed Under News