Monthly Overview: Artillery Fire by the Military Junta Threatens the Safety and Security of Innocent Civilians in Southeastern Burma

August 4, 2025

Across the country, the junta has increased the scope and frequency of its attacks targeting innocent civilians. For those living in areas monitored by the Human Rights Foundation of Monland (HURFOM) in Mon State, Karen State, and the Tanintharyi region, the fear and insecurity caused by the junta’s ongoing attacks continue to isolate communities profoundly affected by the conflict. The funding cuts by the United States government have done little to ease anxieties and concerns, as life-saving projects are currently struggling to provide services without long-term, sustainable funding.

As the development landscape evolves and displacement increases due to the military’s attacks, human rights violations are occurring with impunity. Artillery and mortar shelling have destroyed communities that are just trying to lead their lives, with even a marginal sense of normalcy. Between June 25 and 29, 2025, the military junta fired at least ten artillery shells into four villages—Kyauk Yay Twin, Pane Nell Gone, Zee Pyaung #1, and Win Kan—in Kyike Hto Township, Mon State. According to the Thaton District Karen National Union (KNU), there were no armed clashes in the area at the time of the attacks.

One local woman, Daw Htay from Kyauk Yay Twin village, was injured when artillery shrapnel struck her abdomen. In addition, four homes were damaged: one each in Zee Pyaung #1 and Kyauk Yay Twin, and two more in Win Kan village.

“The junta has been launching artillery attacks almost daily in Kyike Hto. We’ve documented every incident. I truly believe they will have to face justice one day,” said Pa Doe Saw Aye Nile, Secretary of the Thaton District KNU.

According to KNU records, the shelling originated from junta units based in the region: the 310th Artillery Regiment, stationed in Kyike Hto Township, and the 589th Light Infantry Battalion from Shwe Kyin Township, Bago Region. This is not the first time civilians have been harmed. On June 14, 2025, similar artillery attacks targeted Zee Gone village in the same township, injuring two women and destroying four homes. Residents across Kyike Hto Township continue to live in fear, as indiscriminate attacks by junta forces place innocent lives and property at constant risk.

In addition, from July 8 to 16, 2025, the junta’s Light Infantry Battalion (LIB) 282, based in Ka Lane Aung, launched repeated and indiscriminate artillery attacks on Ma Yan Chaung and Mile Chauk Sell (60-Mile) villages in Yar Phu village tract, Yebyu Township. The shelling has left communities in fear, forcing many residents to abandon their homes in search of safety.

“On July 15, a bomb exploded just outside Mile Chauk Sell village. Other shells landed in nearby rubber plantations. Luckily, no one was hurt, but these attacks are becoming more frequent and dangerously close,” said a resident of Mile Chauk Sell.

The presence of revolutionary forces around the Yar Phu village tract has added to the villagers’ fears. Some units have taken up temporary positions within local communities, creating tension and anxiety among the civilian population. As a result, more than 100 people have fled, with many now sheltering in Ye Township.

“People from Yar Phu have left their homes. Some are staying with relatives in Ye. We have no choice—our village is filled with revolutionary troops, and movement after 6 p.m. is restricted. If fighting breaks out, we won’t be able to escape in time. So we decided to leave before it’s too late,” said a villager from Ma Yan Chaung.

This is not the first time civilians have been affected. On June 15, artillery fire from LIB 282 damaged approximately 20 betel nut trees. Then, on July 8, indiscriminate shelling claimed the lives of three children and one adult in Kaw Hline village. Another resident was severely injured in the same attack.

“Even though we’ve escaped the immediate danger, we’re still worried about our homes. Our betel nut trees have started to bear fruit—what if everything is stolen while we’re away? And staying at someone else’s house is not easy either,” added another displaced villager.

Meanwhile, since July 10, the Karen National Union’s “Bo Nay Toe Group” has restricted movement along the Ye–Dawei Highway, particularly between Yar Phu and Thar Yar Mon villages, from 6 PM to 6 AM, further complicating the situation for civilians. HURFOM continues to monitor the displacement crisis closely as affected communities face mounting insecurity and an urgent need for humanitarian support.

In a related incident of artillery fire by the junta, a heartbreaking tragedy occurred when four members of a family—including three innocent children—were killed on the evening of July 8, 2025, when a heavy artillery shell fired by junta troops struck near their small shelter in a rubber plantation close to Kawhlain Village. Their mother was critically injured.

According to local sources, the shelling was carried out by Light Infantry Battalion No. 282 based in Kalein Aung. The 120 mm shell landed near the family’s hut, where they had been living and working. The father, U Aye Khaing (50), and his three children—all under 11 years old—were killed on the spot. Their mother, Ma Win Pa Pa (38), suffered serious injuries and is being treated at a nearby clinic.

“They were just working people,” said a local woman from Yaphu New Village, still shaken by the incident. “They came from Ayeyarwaddy to earn a living by tapping rubber. There was no fighting; there was no reason for the military to fire. But they did. And now those children are gone.”

Residents confirmed that there were no clashes in the area at the time of the attack. The shell fell during a quiet afternoon, far from any battlefront. This has become an all-too-common pattern—shells landing without warning in peaceful villages, with no accountability.

“There was no fighting at all that day,” the woman added. “The military just fires whenever they feel like it. Last week, two shells landed in Mile 60 village for no reason. No one knows when it will happen next.”

Padoh Eh Na, Secretary of the Karen National Union (KNU) in the Myeik-Dawei District, confirmed the absence of combat. “Yes, our troops are present in the area, but there was no engagement. The junta forces simply fired into civilian spaces. They don’t care who gets hurt.”

A commander from the Dawna Resistance Column 3, which monitors the Ye-Dawei highway, put it plainly: “Even if they suspect resistance fighters are around, that doesn’t justify bombing a home where children live. These were just kids. Their lives ended before they even had a chance to grow up. It’s beyond cruel.”

This is not an isolated incident. Last year in June, a similar artillery strike near Kalein Aung killed another family of four, including a toddler. The military’s use of indiscriminate shelling continues to claim the lives of the most vulnerable, especially children.

In Kyaikmayaw Township, Mon State, life along the Gyaing River has become a daily fight for survival. The military junta’s artillery shelling is no longer simply a tactic of war; it has become an intentional and systematic strategy to dismantle the fabric of everyday life. Each day, villagers face the terrifying reality of mortar shells falling on homes, farms, monasteries, and schools, often without any sign of active conflict nearby.

The indiscriminate shelling is not just a military strategy; it is a form of collective punishment, stripping entire villages of safety, dignity, and hope. Families who once lived in peace are now trapped, afraid to send their children to school, work in their fields, or even leave their homes to buy food or medicine. Fear and uncertainty have replaced routine and stability.

As one local farmer shared, “Since March 29 of last year, when the junta’s naval vessels first bombarded areas near Dhamma Tha village, we haven’t been able to live peacefully again. Life has never returned to normal. Along the Gyaing River, people from at least eight villages like ours have been repeatedly forced to flee their homes because of the junta’s indiscriminate attacks. Even now, we don’t know when the next shell will fall. Just walking to the fields feels dangerous. Everyone is living in constant fear.”

These relentless attacks have not only damaged homes and public buildings—they’ve shattered the emotional and economic lifelines of entire communities. Families are struggling to survive under constant threat, unsure if they’ll make it through another day.

Despite the absence of ongoing clashes, junta troops from Kyaikmayaw-based Light Infantry Battalion No. 208, Zartha Pyin-based Infantry Battalion No. 81, and artillery units positioned near Dhamma Tha Monastery continue to launch mortars into nearby villages without warning. The shells often land deep in residential areas, hitting Kaw Bein, Kaw Palaing, Dhamma Tha, Tarana, and Than Galaung villages.

“There’s shelling almost every night,” said a resident from Kyaikmayaw. “At 8 PM, six rounds hit near the village. They’re firing into people’s backyards. Everyone is terrified; no one dares to go out anymore.”

In response to the growing fear, local administrators have urged villagers to notify them in advance if they need to travel, even in emergencies. Many residents no longer dare to tend to their crops or gardens, while some families have fled entirely to seek shelter in towns or temporary safe zones.

“In the last six months alone, about five people have been injured by shelling. Some were children. A few died. We now live in fear every single day,” shared a farmer from Kaw Swe village.

Although recent attacks have not resulted in fatalities, several homes have been damaged. In response, communities are reinforcing bomb shelters and preparing for worst-case scenarios. These survival measures, however, cannot undo the damage that has already been done. A previous incident on June 10, 2025, in northern Kyone Doe village saw four children injured after an artillery shell exploded in their neighbourhood.

Armed clashes between junta forces and resistance groups continue to erupt intermittently along the Gyaing River area. The junta has escalated its response with a mix of airstrikes and heavy artillery, worsening the already dire conditions for civilians. Beyond the immediate violence, the impact on daily life is profound and far-reaching. Families are cut off from their livelihoods. Children are out of school. Basic movement is restricted by fear. Monasteries and schools, once sanctuaries, are now at risk of being destroyed like any other civilian structure.

These cases have been made more challenging by the junta’s increased roadblocks and checkpoints. Locals in Kanbauk, Yebyu Township, are facing severe shortages of essential goods after junta forces tightened inspections and blocked deliveries at security checkpoints, especially near the Mahlwe Taung checkpoint on the Mon-Tanintharyi border. According to both residents and truck drivers, the military has intensified checks on rice, cooking oil, household medicine, and fuel. In the last week of June, two trucks carrying rice were seized at the Mahlwe Taung gate, prompting drivers to stop transporting rice into the area for fear of arrest or having their cargo confiscated.

“At the Mahlwe checkpoint, rice is the main target,” said a woman from Kanbauk. “If drivers are carrying more than the allowed amount, their trucks get seized. Some drivers have been detained. We’ve heard that depending on the goods, people are being forced to pay bribes between 2 million and 6 million Kyat just to pass.”

As of July 3rd, many villages in and around Kanbauk are already running out of rice and cooking oil, according to local sources. Truck drivers say the junta is accusing anyone delivering goods—especially food and medicine—of supplying the resistance. These accusations have led to continued detentions and seizures of humanitarian cargo.

Because the conflict has intensified across Dawei District—especially in Yebyu, Launglon, and Thayet Chaung Townships—the military has further restricted the transport of food and supplies. This has not only caused widespread shortages but also driven prices up, making daily survival even harder for ordinary families.

The junta’s deliberate blockade of food and basic goods into resistance-held areas—where fighting is occurring almost daily—has had devastating effects. Residents say the situation is worsening by the day, and they fear further hardship if aid and essential supplies are not allowed in soon.

The artillery shelling is also claiming the lives of innocent children and youth. A 15-year-old girl was tragically killed after an artillery shell fired by junta forces exploded inside a home in Alu Lay village, Bilin Township, Mon State. According to local sources, the attack occurred on July 23, despite the absence of any fighting in the area.

The shell was launched from Artillery Battalion 314, based in Shwe Yaung Pya village, and struck a residential house in Alu Lay. The victim, identified as Naw Khin Nan Hmwe, suffered fatal injuries to her head and chest. She died instantly at the scene.

“A shell from the junta landed near a house. Naw Khin Nan Hmwe was hit in the head and chest. Because of the heavy wind and rain, we couldn’t hear the sound of the explosion until later,” said a resident. “They’ve been firing almost daily. Usually, the shells fall outside the village, but this time they hit close to homes.”

The indiscriminate shelling by the junta has left civilians in constant fear. Communities in Alu Lay, Tha Pyay Ni, Ka Yae Wae Seik, and Phoe Wa Thein are particularly vulnerable, with recent strikes causing damage to homes, farmland, and workplaces.

This is not an isolated incident. On July 21, the junta also carried out an airstrike on a water purification plant in Saung Naing Gyi village, Kyaik Hto Township. Fortunately, there were no casualties, but the attack has raised further alarm among locals who rely on such essential services.

A source close to local resistance groups emphasized that the junta’s actions reflect a blatant disregard for civilian safety and human dignity: “Targeting civilians and community infrastructure, especially when there is no fighting, is not only inhumane but also a war crime. The international community must condemn these actions.”

A 15-year-old boy was tragically killed when an artillery shell fired by junta forces struck Thone Khwa village, part of the Kha Ywal village tract in Kyaik Hto Township, Mon State. The shelling was confirmed by the Karen National Union (KNU) in Thaton District.

On the evening of July 17, at 5:30 PM, the junta’s Artillery Battalion 310 fired two 120-mm shells into the Kha Ywal area. One of the shells landed in Thone Khwa village, fatally injuring Saw Arkar, the son of Saw Thein Htoo, who died on the spot after shrapnel struck his shoulder and body.

“This has become our daily reality. The junta fires into our villages almost every day—sometimes with aircraft too. They are destroying innocent lives, but we believe they will be held accountable one day,” said Padoh Saw Aye Naing, General Secretary of the KNU in Thaton District.

Thone Khwa village is located in a territory controlled by the KNU’s Brigade 1 in Thaton District. Since the military coup, the area has faced repeated ground and air assaults, causing civilian casualties and displacement.

Just a few days later, on July 21, the junta’s air force dropped bombs on a water purification plant in Saung Nying Gyi old village, part of Win Kalaw village tract in Kyaik Hto. That attack also damaged two homes, according to reports from KNU Thaton District.

Airstrikes

Tragedy struck Palaw Township on July 19, Martyrs’ Day, when a junta airstrike killed a child and injured four others near Mainma village, according to local sources. The attack took place at 10:00 AM between Mainma and Bye Pyin villages in the Zayat State Village Tract, Myeik District. Witnesses reported that a jet fighter from the Myeik Air Base dropped bombs and opened fire with machine guns over the area.

“A child, estimated to be around 10 years old, was killed instantly,” said a resident. “Four others were wounded, including two elderly women in their 60s. Three homes in Mainma village were also destroyed in the blast.”

Locals had been preparing to commemorate Martyrs’ Day when the bombing occurred. One eyewitness, who was near the site at the time, confirmed the airstrike caused panic and devastation among civilians.

This is not an isolated event. Just days earlier, on July 16, the military carried out another air assault on Thain Khon village in Tanintharyi Township, along the Thailand–Myanmar border trade route. Although there were no injuries in that incident, it added to the growing fear among residents.

Between July 11 and 15, the junta also launched drone strikes and artillery attacks on Shat Pone village in Palaw Township. Those attacks killed one civilian and injured four others as clashes between junta troops and resistance forces escalated in the area. These ongoing airstrikes continue to terrorize civilians in conflict zones, especially in southern Burma, where the human toll of the war remains alarmingly high.

According to members of the local resistance forces, three civilians were killed following a brutal aerial and artillery assault by the junta on Palaw Township, Tanintharyi Region. On July 24, between approximately 3:30 PM and 5:30 PM, junta jet fighters conducted two rounds of airstrikes over Pala Town in Palaw Township, even though no active clashes were taking place at the time, a resistance member told HURFOM.

“The first airstrike directly hit a civilian home in Pala Town, killing a husband and wife on the spot,” he said.

Following the bombing, junta naval forces stationed nearby fired heavy artillery into the same area. One woman was killed as a result of the shelling.

“The couple died from the first bombing. Later, the shelling killed an elderly woman,” he added.

Another resistance member confirmed that the junta’s fighter jets dropped no fewer than four bombs during the two airstrikes. In addition to the bombings, the jets also fired machine guns at the surrounding area.

“It’s confirmed that they dropped bombs. It happened near Pala Town. We’re still trying to confirm the full extent of the damage because we haven’t yet received updates from the ground,” he said.

Just days earlier, on July 19, junta aircraft also bombed the area between Meinma Myo Village and Baipyin Village in the Zayet Seik village tract of Palaw Township. That attack killed a 10-year-old child and injured at least seven civilians.

These deliberate aerial assaults on non-combatant areas continue to cause devastating civilian casualties and terrorize communities already displaced or living in fear under ongoing conflict.

Fierce clashes are ongoing in Pala Town, Palaw Township, Myeik District, where the military junta has launched four devastating airstrikes, killing one monk and seriously injuring another, according to local sources. Between 8 AM and 3 PM, on July 26, junta fighter jets conducted four bombing raids. One of the airstrikes hit Thein Wa Monastery, killing a monk on the spot and severely injuring another, who lost a leg in the attack.

Fighting in and around Pala Town has intensified since the evening of July 24, as resistance forces and junta troops engage in heavy battles. “The clashes have been nonstop for three days. Fighter jets keep flying overhead and dropping bombs. Around 9 AM, they targeted the monastery. One monk was hit and passed away shortly after,” said a local resident.

Another resident reported that each airstrike involved two 300-pound bombs. Meanwhile, junta naval vessels stationed offshore are also firing artillery shells to support ground troops.

From July 24 to 26, at least 17 people have been confirmed killed in Palaw Township as a result of junta-led airstrikes, artillery shelling, and drone attacks. The fatalities include one monk and 16 civilians. At least 18 others—one monk and 17 civilians—have sustained injuries. With fighting still ongoing and air raids continuing, it remains difficult to confirm the full extent of civilian casualties and damage on the ground. Residents fear more losses as the violence shows no sign of slowing.

Arbitrary Arrest

On July 1st, the armed resistance group known as “Ye Balue” launched an attack on the 343rd Light Infantry Battalion (LIB) stationed in Aruthaung village, Ye Township, Mon State. The clash triggered a heavy military response from the junta, including artillery fire that destroyed two civilian houses located near the highway.

“The fighting lasted about 45 minutes. Both sides exchanged fire using small arms and heavy weapons. Two artillery shells landed on the highway and destroyed nearby homes. But no one dares to go and check the damage because it’s still too dangerous,” said a local woman.

Later that evening, junta troops arrested a young man at the entrance of the village. Soldiers accused him of being a member of the resistance group, reportedly because he had a leg injury: “A young man who works on a plantation was walking home when the soldiers stopped him. They noticed his leg was wounded and assumed he was with the Ye Balue group. They tied him up with a rope and started asking everyone nearby if they knew who he was—but no one did,” said a local man who witnessed the incident.

The arrested individual is believed to be between 20 and 30 years old and is not originally from Ye Township. Locals suspect he may be a migrant worker from another region. As of now, he remains in detention at the 343rd LIB base and is reportedly being interrogated. There has been no official confirmation of his identity or release. This incident has heightened fears among residents, many of whom are already living under stress from ongoing clashes and military presence in their communities.

In Thailand, the authorities are also working to comply with the military junta in a worrying development. On June 30th, nearly 100 Burmese nationals held at the Ranong Detention Camp in Thailand were transferred to the Burmese authorities at Kaw Thaung Town, Tanintharyi Region. According to local sources and human rights monitors, the military junta has been conscripting between 100 and 200 returnees from these handovers into military service against their will.

“There were 14 transfers in 2024 involving over 2,000 detainees. We still don’t know exactly how many of them were forcibly conscripted. The junta doesn’t release any official figures or details about the process, so it’s difficult to verify,” said an official from the FE5 Tanintharyi.

Reports suggest that those forced into military service are being transported by boat to the 12th Advanced Military Training School in Pa Loud Town.

Since the beginning of 2025, there have been six official transfers between Thai and Burmese authorities, involving a total of 1,019 detainees. The lack of transparency and ongoing fear of forced conscription continue to raise serious concerns among families and rights groups.

In an alarming violation of human rights, Ko Pyae Sone Aung, a political prisoner and spokesperson for the National League for Democracy (NLD) in Bilin Township, Mon State, died after being tortured inside Thaton Prison. Rather than returning his body to his family, prison authorities cremated his remains on the evening of July 19, 2025—just hours after his death—raising serious concerns of a cover-up.

According to reports verified by local sources and resistance groups, Ko Pyae Sone Aung, age 44, suffered severe internal injuries following a violent beating by prison officials. The assault reportedly occurred after a confrontation with authorities in early July. He and four other political prisoners were beaten with batons and repeatedly kicked in the stomach. One detainee vomited blood and had to be hospitalized before being returned to prison the following day. Ko Pyae Sone Aung later collapsed with intense abdominal pain and died around 1:00 PM on July 19.

Despite the clear evidence of mistreatment, prison officials claimed Ko Pyae Sone Aung died of chronic illnesses, including high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease. However, the rushed cremation—carried out the same evening without notifying his family—has been widely condemned as an attempt to destroy evidence of torture.

“If this were a natural death, there would have been no reason to cremate the body without involving the family. This is a deliberate attempt to erase the truth,” said a member of the Mon State resistance.

Ko Pyae Sone Aung was arrested on January 1, 2022, by junta forces and charged under Sections 52(a) and 505(a) of the Penal Code. He was sentenced to six years in prison by the Bilin Special Court. According to the Burma Political Prisoners Network (PPNM), he had been suffering from serious health issues but was denied appropriate care during his detention. His tragic death follows a pattern of abuse and neglect faced by political detainees across Burma’s prison system.

Just days earlier, on July 20, 25-year-old Ma Yut Yee Aung, a member of the Central Executive Committee of the Dagon University Students’ Union and another political prisoner, also died in junta custody. She had been arrested on September 14, 2021, for protesting the military coup and sentenced to three years under Section 505(a) in Insein Prison. Later, she was transferred to Daik-U Prison and eventually brought back to Insein, where she received an additional four-year sentence under Section 52(a) in June 2023.

Ma Yut Yee Aung suffered serious head and body injuries from torture during her initial interrogation following arrest. She required ongoing medical treatment throughout her imprisonment but was reportedly denied adequate care. Her death highlights the junta’s continued disregard for the lives and dignity of political detainees, especially young activists.

These two tragic deaths—within one week—underscore the brutal conditions faced by Burma’s political prisoners. The junta’s use of torture, denial of medical care, and forced cremation of victims not only violates fundamental human rights but also amounts to crimes against humanity.

HURFOM strongly condemns these deliberate acts of cruelty and calls on the international community, including the United Nations, ASEAN, and international human rights mechanisms, to urgently investigate and hold the junta accountable for its inhumane treatment of detainees. Justice must be served for Ko Pyae Sone Aung, Ma Yut Yee Aung, and the countless others who continue to suffer under the junta.

The Myanmar Political Prisoners Network (PPNM) also confirmed that political prisoner Aung Naing Soe, also known as Kayin Lay, died after being brutally beaten by prison staff at Hpa-an Prison in Karen State. Despite eyewitness accounts and credible findings, the prison authorities have falsely reported his cause of death as heart failure.

Aung Naing Soe had been serving a seven-year prison sentence under Section 505(a) of the Penal Code. According to PPNM’s internal investigation, on July 21, 2025, he was pulled out during the evening lockdown and viciously beaten by approximately 30 prison staff. He later died from the injuries inflicted during the attack. He had been left behind during a routine inmate relocation and placed in a section known for housing elderly prisoners, reportedly due to unrelated charges. The beating was triggered by an accusation that he was involved in a verbal dispute with other inmates. Instead of a fair inquiry, he was forcibly removed and assaulted, resulting in his death.

The PPNM reported that violence and repression against political detainees in Hpa-an Prison have intensified in recent months. Detainees are regularly beaten for minor infractions, including turning their heads or speaking during roll calls, in clear violation of fundamental human rights and prison regulations.

To seek justice, the PPNM has identified and released the names and details of some of the alleged perpetrators. Those named include: Assistant Superintendents Kyaw Khine and Thwin Htoo, Corporal Soe Thu Ya Thein, Private Ko Ko Phyo and Private Chit Oo Zaw, Chief Warden Win Maung.

The network announced that further investigations are ongoing to identify other prison officials who may be involved. These names are being preserved as part of evidence for future justice and accountability processes. The PPNM has called on local resistance groups and international justice bodies to monitor and document this case, and to take steps to hold perpetrators accountable. They also encouraged the general public and international community to remember Aung Naing Soe not only as a victim, but as one of many who have suffered under this brutal system.

Landmines

A 32-year-old man from Pyin Thar village, Mell Lang Gaung village tract, Bilin Township, Mon State, lost his leg after stepping on a landmine while working on his farm. The incident occurred at 8 AM on June 25th.

The victim, Ko Aung Aung, had gone to his rambutan plantation west of the village to harvest fruit when the landmine exploded, severely injuring him. His right foot was destroyed in the blast and later had to be amputated.

“It’s heartbreaking, but in a way, we feel lucky that Ko Aung Aung only lost his foot,” said one villager. “Everyone here is cautious because we know the risk. Still, no matter how careful we are, landmines are unpredictable. Many of us are now too afraid to go to our plantations.”

Following the explosion, Ko Aung Aung was taken to Bilin Township General Hospital. He has since been transferred to Thaton District General Hospital for further treatment and recovery.

Both junta troops and resistance forces are active in the areas surrounding Pyin Thar village. However, neither side has taken responsibility nor issued any statement about the landmine incident. This latest tragedy is another painful reminder of the dangers rural communities face daily as landmines continue to threaten the lives and livelihoods of innocent civilians in conflict-affected areas.

In a separate case, tragedy struck communities in Hpa-An Township, Karen State, as three residents were seriously injured in separate landmine incidents in June. On June 4th, a woman from Phar Taung village was severely wounded after stepping on a landmine while collecting seasonal fruits and vegetables in the forest. She sustained serious injuries to her arms and thighs.

Later in the month, on June 17th and 20th, two men from Well Pyan village, near Ka Ma Maung Town, were also injured when they stepped on landmines in a nearby forest. Both men lost their legs in the explosions.

“With the rainy season here, many villagers head into the forest to collect bamboo shoots, mushrooms, or firewood. These are daily survival activities. Sadly, they often step on hidden landmines, and some have had to undergo amputations. It’s heartbreaking. There are no landmines in the urban areas, but many are planted in zones where resistance groups are active or near military bases. This puts innocent villagers at constant risk,” explained a resident.

All three victims are currently receiving treatment at Hpa-An General Hospital.

The landmine incidents occurred in areas under the control of the Karen National Union (KNU). However, the Border Guard Force (BGF) and junta military troops are also known to operate in the same region. Due to overlapping activity, it remains unclear which group is responsible for planting the landmines.

Sadly, this is not the first time local civilians have been harmed. Back in April 2025, three young girls from Ward #3 in Ka Ma Maung Town also stepped on a landmine and suffered injuries. These repeated tragedies highlight the urgent need for stronger mine-risk education and more effective efforts to clear explosives from civilian areas. No one should lose their life or limbs just for gathering food or firewood.

Forced Conscription

In Dawei, the military junta is intensifying efforts to forcibly conscript young people into military service through a range of aggressive tactics. Residents report that junta forces—including police, soldiers, Pyu Saw Htee militia, ten-household leaders, and plainclothes informants—are conducting street patrols, house inspections, and guest list checks to identify and detain eligible youth.

On July 5th, junta personnel stopped vehicles and inspected mobile phones on the streets of Dawei, arresting individuals for various alleged reasons, according to an eyewitness. Days earlier, on July 2nd at around 11 p.m., a 20-year-old man from Hnin Si Road in Pain Nae Taw Ward was taken during a door-to-door inspection focused on guest lists and household registrations.

“They go street by street, door to door, checking house numbers and household documents. If they find young men, they hand over a single-page conscription notice and take them away immediately,” said a concerned resident from Dawei.

Families of those arrested have been trying to locate their loved ones by contacting junta bases and police stations. However, as of July 6th, no official information had been provided, leaving families distressed and without answers. Local sources say that lists of young men eligible for military service have already been submitted to the junta. Residents have been warned that if they do not respond to summonses, ten-household leaders and ward authorities will come to their homes and arrest them on the spot.

“In recent days, at least four young people were taken from Dawei. Their families are still searching for them with no luck. We’re telling youth to be extremely cautious when they go outside,” said a local woman.

Another young man was reportedly taken during guest list inspections in San Chi Ward on the night of July 2nd. Fearing arrest and forced conscription, many youth are fleeing to Thailand. In response, the junta has ordered ward authorities to intensify home visits and roundups, targeting those who might have previously slipped through the cracks.

Although the Military Service Law officially states that conscription must follow a registration and notification process, the junta has ignored these procedures. Instead, it has detained returnees from Thailand and travellers, forcing them into military service. Former conscripts who later joined resistance groups confirmed that arbitrary arrests and forced enlistment are now commonplace.

Since March 2024, the junta has continued conscription training without pause. By June 2025, they had reached the 14th batch of forcibly recruited trainees.

In Thanbyuzayat town, Mon State, families are being pressured to pay exorbitant fees—up to 10 million kyat (approximately 10,000,000 MMK) —to hire substitutes to avoid conscription into the junta’s upcoming military training program, known as Batch 15 of the People’s Military Service.

According to residents, junta authorities, including ward and village administrators, are actively collecting both recruits and conscription-related fees. A resident from Thanbyuzayat reported that her family was asked to pay 10 million kyat so that a substitute could be hired in place of her son, who is currently working in Thailand.

“On July 18, the local administrators came to our house along with soldiers. They said my son’s name had come up in the lottery for military training. Since he’s abroad, they insisted we pay 10 million kyat to hire a replacement. I had no choice but to pay,” said a 48-year-old mother, her voice filled with anxiety.

Following the enactment of the Conscription Law, junta forces have intensified recruitment across Mawlamyine, Paung, Mudon, Thanbyuzayat, Kyaikmayaw, Ye, and Kyaikhto. Reports from the ground reveal that young people are being arrested on the streets and even at night under the pretext of “security checks.” Many are forcibly taken to military training camps.

Residents say that even those who do not voluntarily show up are not spared. If someone eligible for service refuses to draw lots, the junta’s recruitment team does it in their place and later arrives with a call-up letter. The only alternative left for many families is to pay massive sums to avoid losing their children to forced military service.

As fear spreads, many young people have fled across the Thai border or sought refuge in safer areas. However, some have still been caught and forced into training. Meanwhile, local administrators continue to demand monthly fees under the guise of “replacement recruitment” and are targeting youth who fail to comply with their orders.

A local activist reflected on the growing desperation: “It’s not just a conscription policy, it’s a system of fear and extortion. Families are being torn apart, and young people live with constant uncertainty.”

Communities across Mon State are facing serious hardships after powerful storms, including tornadoes and strong winds triggered by a recent cyclone, swept through the region. Local reports indicate significant damage to homes and property, as well as loss of life and injuries.

Beginning on July 23, the storms impacted several townships, including Kyaik Hto, Thaton, Paung, Mudon, Thanbyuzayat, and Ye. One person tragically lost their life, at least 15 others were injured, and more than 500 homes were damaged or completely destroyed. Many families also lost valuable household belongings in the storm.

With ongoing rainfall making recovery even more difficult, many affected residents have sought temporary shelter in nearby monasteries, Dhamma halls, or with relatives. Rebuilding or repairing homes remains an overwhelming challenge for most.

“The military hasn’t provided any support yet. People are trying to help each other, but resources are very limited. Even the monks are struggling to provide aid. The biggest needs right now are shelter and food,” said a young volunteer involved in rescue efforts.

While pro-junta Telegram channels claimed that the military administration assisted in Paung Township on July 26, including 200,000 kyats for fully destroyed homes, 100,000 kyats for homes with roof damage, 50,000 kyats for the injured, and 5,000 kyats worth of rice per person, many residents criticized the support as inadequate.

In addition to the physical destruction, power poles were toppled, leading to electricity outages in several areas. Roads were also temporarily blocked due to fallen trees. With at least six townships affected, the situation remains dire, and calls for meaningful and timely humanitarian assistance continue to grow.

Mon State
A tragic shooting took place in San Pya village, Ye Township, Mon State, on the morning of June 25. At around 7:00 AM, two unidentified men arrived on a motorbike and fatally shot 67-year-old U Ah Nyar at his home. He sustained six gunshot wounds to his head and chest and died instantly.

“He was just a fruit vendor,” said a woman from the village who knew him. “That morning, two men came to buy durians, but the ones he had were already reserved. He refused to sell them, and shortly after, he was shot. It was terrifying.”

U Ah Nyar was originally from Naypyidaw and was a retired soldier who had served in the junta’s army.

Locals say the motive behind the killing remains unclear. “The Light Infantry Battalion #588 is based near our village, and the People’s Defense Forces (PDFs) are also active in this area. Some say U Ah Nyar might have been working as an informant for the military, which may have led to the attack,” a villager explained.

Following the incident, local charity volunteers transported his body to Lamine General Hospital. His cremation took place the same day. This case adds to growing concerns about civilian safety in Mon State. Based on HURFOM documentation, at least five civilians were killed under unclear or arbitrary circumstances in May 2025 alone. In all these cases, the perpetrators remain unidentified, leaving communities fearful and justice unfulfilled. HURFOM continues to monitor and document these incidents to advocate for accountability and the protection of civilians in conflict-affected areas.

Travellers and residents are facing growing difficulties after the military junta extended the daily closure hours of two major bridges connecting to Mawlamyine, the capital of Mon State. The new restrictions—implemented without public notice—have added further hardship to communities already burdened by tightened movement controls and ongoing insecurity.

As of July 16, the Thanlwin Bridge (Mawlamyine) and the Attaran Bridge (Mawlamyine), both critical transportation arteries, are now only open between 6:00 AM and 8:00 PM—shortened from their previous schedule of 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Junta soldiers at the bridge gates cited “security reasons” for the change, but the Mon State military council has released no official statement.

“The reduced hours are hurting people,” said a vendor from Mottama. “Many of us travel before dawn to sell goods in Mawlamyine. Now, we’re stuck. Transportation has become more expensive, and the risk of delays has increased.”

The Thanlwin Bridge serves as a key link along Union Highway No. 8, a vital trade route connecting Yangon, Mawlamyine, Ye, Dawei, and Myeik. Similarly, the Attaran Bridge is essential for connecting Mon and Kayin States, as well as for cross-border trade with Thailand. A truck driver travelling from Dawei commented, “There are already too many checkpoints along the way. With less time to cross the bridge, we’re forced to rush or delay our deliveries. The situation is worse for trucks coming from Myeik or Yangon—some drivers are getting stranded.”

Locals fear that the extended closure times will have ripple effects on their daily lives, including access to health services, livelihoods, and inter-township transportation. Many worry that patients who require emergency transport at night or early morning may be put at even greater risk.

“This is not just an inconvenience—it’s another way the junta is controlling our lives,” said a civil society member in Mawlamyine. These movement restrictions are part of the larger pattern of repression, especially as the junta tightens its grip in the lead-up to their sham election. Ordinary people are paying the price.”

Sources close to the Southeastern Military Command Headquarters indicate that the order for the new bridge closure schedule came from the top brass, further highlighting how arbitrary and militarized governance has disrupted everyday civilian life.

HURFOM continues to document the increasing militarization and area restrictions that are impacting people’s freedom of movement, access to essential services, and ability to sustain livelihoods across Mon State and the wider southeastern region.

According to local sources, junta troops arrested four individuals, including three former village chairpersons, from Thway Thauk Village, Chauk Mine Kone Village Tract, Mawlamyine Township, Mon State, during the second week of July. Eyewitnesses reported that approximately 40 junta soldiers entered the homes of these individuals—three former village chairs aged between 35 and 60 and the newly appointed village chair—and arrested them without providing clear reasons.

A resident explained, “They were accused of possessing weapons, mapping land plots in forested areas around Thway Thauk, and having political affiliations. We don’t know their whereabouts at the moment.”

The arrests followed an earlier incident in early July when a white Toyota Probox vehicle, reportedly carrying weapons, was seen entering Thway Thauk Village to unload items. Locals speculate this triggered the junta’s actions. Previously, on May 5, a similar white Toyota Probox (license plate KYN 4 DD/1163) was involved in an unrelated incident in Mawlamyine, where four men allegedly attempted to assassinate a woman at the behest of her ex-husband, a local doctor. Those arrested at that time included:

Zaw Min Lat (also known as Mhone Gyi or Nga Mhone), age 41, from Thway Thauk Ward, Kywe Chan Kone.
Htein Win (also known as Byat Sote), age 40, from Myay Ni Kone Ward, Diesel Shop Road area.
Kyaw Win Thu, age 45, also from Thway Thauk Ward, Kywe Chan Kone.

Security forces stated that they seized an automatic handgun and 12 bullets from the vehicle. A case was subsequently opened under Penal Code Sections 307 and 114 against these individuals, as well as Naing Oo (the alleged mastermind) and Dr. Zing Min Naung Naung, regarding the attempted murder of Ma Wint Myat Myat Phyo.

Meanwhile, the worsening violence and attacks resulted in a school building in Taung Kamar Yike village, Kyone Doe Township, being destroyed after junta forces fired artillery shells into the area, despite no ongoing clashes nearby, according to a statement released by the NMSP-AD / Ramonnya Mon Army.

The incident occurred on July 23, at 11 PM, when troops from the junta’s Light Infantry Battalion 545, stationed in Kyone Doe, launched two rounds of 122 mm howitzer shells. One of the shells exploded inside the school’s main hall, causing severe damage to the building. Fortunately, there were no civilian injuries or deaths, residents reported.

“The school hall was hit directly, even though there was no fighting at the time. It’s deeply worrying because the building is meant for children and community use,” one villager shared.

Despite the absence of active clashes, the junta has continued to carry out indiscriminate artillery shelling and airstrikes in civilian areas across Kyone Doe and Kawkareik Townships, Karen State, putting lives and vital infrastructure at risk. Community members in the region are increasingly fearful, as schools, homes, and public spaces are being targeted without warning or justification.

Karen State
Ongoing military offensives by the junta in Karen State are disrupting not only the lives of thousands of civilians but also the futures of young students. Since April 2025, intensified artillery and air attacks on Kyone Doe Town and surrounding villages in Kawkareik Township have forced more than 20,000 students to flee their homes. Villages affected include Hnaung Pa Dauk, Thar Ma Nya, Thar Yar Gone, Kaw Ka Thar, Ngar Tie, Lay Tie, Koe Tie, Yay Bu Gyi, Inn Gyi, Kaw Pha Lot, Kaw Ka Mar, and Kyone Doe Chaung Pyar, located in Yoe Mahar and Kyar Kalay village tracts.

Many displaced families have sought refuge in urban areas, such as Hpa-An (Karen State) and Mawlamyine (Mon State), in the hope that their children can continue their education. However, students are being turned away from local schools because they lack the required documents, such as leave certificates from their former schools or letters of recommendation from village administrators.

“Even the headmistresses and teachers have fled. Schools in our village are shut down. We came to the city so our children wouldn’t lose their education, but now they can’t even enroll,” shared a displaced mother with frustration and sadness.

While some displaced students in Hpa-An have managed to attend community-supported classes or informal education programs, the situation in Mawlamyine is more difficult. One social worker noted, “We’ve been able to support some children here in Hpa-An, but most of those who fled to Mawlamyine have had to stop their schooling altogether.”

In the conflict zones, the education department of the Karen National Union (KNU) has attempted to maintain learning in the villages that remain accessible. Still, many areas are too dangerous or under tight military control.

Making matters worse, the junta has also restricted movement along the Asia Highway connecting Kawkareik, Kyone Doe, and Mawlamyine, resulting in severe shortages of food, medicine, and other essential supplies.

“We moved here for our children’s education,” said a father now living in Mawlamyine. “But the schools won’t take them. We don’t even know if they’ll be able to go back to school next year.”

This situation highlights yet another way the ongoing conflict continues to harm the lives and futures of innocent children in Burma.

Tanintharyi Region

Residents in Launglon Township, Dawei District, are growing increasingly concerned as fighting continues in the area and junta troops reinforce their presence in Maungmakan village. According to locals, over 100 junta soldiers have been stationed in the town since July 1st, raising fears that another military offensive may be imminent.

One local man said that junta troops began advancing from Dawei town toward the Maungmakan monastery on July 1st and have been stationed there continuously through July 5th. “They’ve been here for days now. People are nervous they might launch another attack,” he said.

Additional reinforcements from the junta were reported entering the area from Dawei, with soldiers seen digging trenches and preparing for further advances. A second local man noted, “They’re getting ready for something—possibly more troop movements or attacks.”

“There are soldiers inside Maungmakan right now. If the resistance forces decide to attack, we’ll have to flee immediately,” another villager explained. “Right now, it’s quiet—no gunfire or shelling—but we’re still deeply worried. Their presence alone makes us feel unsafe.”

Villagers from neighbouring communities, including those from the Kyauk Sin Nga village tract, are also fearful. Many have already begun relocating in anticipation of renewed fighting. A local woman said on the morning of July 5th, “Back in June, some families had already moved because of earlier clashes. Now, even more are leaving. Everyone fears being trapped if a battle breaks out. People are certain the fighting will come—it’s just a matter of when.”

Still, some families are staying in their homes, keeping a close eye on the situation. They say they will only flee if fighting breaks out. Residents recall that in September of last year, junta troops stationed for over ten days in Thaboh Seikpyin Gyi village later burned down homes and looted villagers’ belongings, including valuable motorcycles. The memory of that violence lingers heavily, reinforcing current fears. As the presence of junta forces increases and tensions build, communities across Launglon remain on edge, uncertain of what the future may bring.

The humanitarian crisis in the Tanintharyi Region is worsening. According to the local field network FE5 Tanintharyi, an additional 5,500 villagers were newly displaced in May 2025 due to the junta’s ongoing airstrikes, artillery shelling, and drone attacks. This brings the total number of internally displaced people (IDPs) in the region to approximately 81,800 by the end of May, up from 76,300 recorded in April.

The rainy season is making conditions even more difficult for the displaced. Many are living under makeshift shelters, exposed to the elements. Illnesses such as malaria, dengue fever, diarrhea, respiratory infections, and skin diseases are spreading quickly. There is a severe shortage of medicine and limited access to basic healthcare.

In addition to the direct violence, the junta has tightened control over key areas by increasing checkpoints and blockades, particularly in Dawei’s Eastern Forest zone, and across Tha Yet Chaung, Taung Pyout, Tenasserim, and Pu Law Townships. These restrictions have limited the transport of food, medicine, and other essentials, putting additional pressure on already vulnerable communities.

Livelihoods have collapsed. Fishing, farming, livestock raising, and even small construction work have come to a halt as clashes continue and security risks rise. Families are left without any stable income or support. According to FE5 Tanintharyi’s report, in May, junta troops advanced into the Dawei Deep Seaport area, where they killed 13 local villagers and burned down two houses, further fueling fear and displacement.

The situation remains dire, and urgent humanitarian support is needed for those fleeing violence and trying to survive under increasingly harsh conditions.

In Dawei Township, a tragic incident occurred when indiscriminate artillery fire by junta forces based in Myitta town claimed the life of a driver and injured five passengers. According to local sources, the attack happened on the morning of July 21 near Hindu Chaung Village in Myitta Township.

The deceased was identified as Ko Yan Naing, a 39-year-old who was driving a vehicle transporting passengers from Myitta to Dawei. Reports from those close to the victim indicate that the group, all residents of Myitta, had been attempting to cross a bridge near the Hindu Chaung stream by boat due to heavy rains when the artillery shell struck.

A local who witnessed the aftermath explained:

“They’re all from Myitta. They were heading to Dawei. Because of the flooding, they couldn’t drive across the bridge and were trying to cross by boat when, suddenly, a junta soldier, hiding nearby, fired a gunshot. Then an artillery shell fired from the Myitta Tactical Command struck them.”

Before the shelling, there had reportedly been clashes between junta troops and the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) near a checkpoint close to Hindu Chaung. According to residents, the fighting involved Battalion 12 of the KNLA.

Following the artillery strike, the junta forces detained the surviving passengers for questioning. However, by the evening of July 21, they were released, according to a local who was aware of the situation. The KNU Myeik-Dawei District Office also confirmed the incident, reporting that the shelling launched from the junta’s base in Myitta killed one man and wounded five others.

This attack comes just weeks after another deadly shelling incident on July 8 near Kalein Aung in Dawei District. In that case, junta forces fired artillery shells that struck a family’s orchard beside the Ye–Dawei highway in Kokkhaing Village. Four family members, including young children, were killed, and the mother suffered the loss of one arm and is still receiving medical treatment.

In another case of unprovoked violence and further perpetration of human rights, a local man from Yan Taung village, located along the Dawei–Myeik highway in Thayet Chaung Township, Dawei District, was shot and killed by junta troops on the morning of July 19.

The incident occurred at 9:00 AM when troops stationed at the monastery in the center of the village opened fire on Ko Win Aye, a man in his 40s, as he was riding his motorbike. Soldiers claimed he was attempting to flee after turning his vehicle around.

“Ko Win Aye was shot while riding his motorbike after spotting the soldiers. It happened very suddenly. On that day, the junta forces also fired small arms and artillery shells for about 15 minutes around the village,” said a resident who witnessed the scene.

On the following morning, July 20, after the troops had vacated the area, villagers began searching for Ko Win Aye. His body was discovered buried near the monastery fence. Locals later exhumed his body and held a funeral and cremation that same afternoon.

The killing occurred amid ongoing military operations in Thayet Chaung Township, where local communities continue to suffer from arbitrary violence and widespread fear. Just days earlier, on July 16, junta troops detained four residents from Yan Taung and another four from neighbouring villages. These civilians were reportedly used as human shields for four days during the operation, according to a local woman familiar with the incident.

The detained villagers were taken as far as the Shwe Guu Taung bridge checkpoint before eventually being released.

In another operation on July 14, the troops split their forces between Nyaung Zin and Yan Taung villages, advancing toward several nearby communities, including Tha Yet Hnit Kwa and Thin Kyun. During this offensive, three villagers were also detained and used as human shields. They were later released.

At least ten civilians were killed and five others injured when the military junta launched a brutal attack using a drone and heavy artillery on a civilian home sheltering travellers in Zayat Seik Village. Local sources confirmed that there were no clashes in the area at the time of the incident.

According to witnesses, at around 10 PM on 25 July 2025, junta forces dropped a bomb from a drone targeting a civilian house where travellers had taken refuge. The house owner, U Myint Than, was among the ten victims who lost their lives in the assault. A resident who spoke to HURFOM explained that the first drone strike killed one person and injured two others. As locals rushed to help the wounded, junta forces launched a second round of artillery shelling on the site.

“The first drone bomb hit the house and killed two people right away. Later, another round of heavy artillery hit again, killing eight more. Five others were wounded,” a resident familiar with the incident reported.

The group of civilians had been travelling from Myeik but were forced to halt their journey due to intense fighting and aerial attacks in the region. They temporarily took shelter at a house in Zayat Seik when the junta carried out the attack.

Additional rounds of artillery fire continued, causing more casualties. A total of ten people—eight men and two women—were killed instantly at the scene. Another five, including four men and one woman, sustained injuries, according to a member of the local resistance forces.

“The junta didn’t just stop at one attack. After the drone bombing, they fired more artillery shells from a military base stationed near Parda Settawya hill. We could even see flashes of fire from where the bombs landed,” a local eyewitness recounted.

In the early hours of 26 July, injured survivors were transported to a nearby medical facility, while efforts were made to recover the bodies of the deceased for proper burial. Local communities confirmed that the funerals for the ten victims are being held today.

“This act of violence shows how the junta now sees ordinary civilians as enemies. They no longer distinguish between armed resistance and unarmed people—they attack indiscriminately. What happened in Zayat Seik is a clear example of a war crime committed in plain sight,” said one resident.

Despite the absence of any military confrontation in the area, the junta deliberately attacked a home where civilians were resting at night. Following the incident, local resistance groups issued a warning that fighting in Palaw Township is likely to intensify. They urged residents to prepare bomb shelters and evacuate conflict zones whenever possible to ensure their safety.

[Download the full report | Burmese]

Written by HURFOM · Filed Under Monthly Report, News