Artillery Strikes by Junta Result in Six Civilian Deaths and Twelve Injuries Kyaik Hto Township

July 26, 2024

July 23, 2024

HURFOM: On July 23, 2024, there had been a battle between the military junta and the joint forces of the Karen National Liberation Army and the People Defense Force near by Kyauk Tan Lay village, Pyin Ka Doe Gone village track, Kyike Hto Township, Mon State.

In a devastating artillery attack, the military Junta’s No.602 artillery regiment launched at least 50 artillery shells into villages near Kyauk Tan Lay, Pyin Ka Doe Gone village track, resulting in the deaths of six villagers and injuries to twelve others. The victims, who included 18-year-old Maung Soe Htet Pine, 20-year-old Maung Chit Ko, 20-year-old Maung Nyein Chan Aung, 20-year-old Maung Aung Zin Htwe, and 29-year-old Ko Tun Tun Win, were local villagers and gold mine workers, according to the Thaton District Karen National Union.

A resident of Pyin Ga Doe Gone village recounted the harrowing experience: “There were at least 50 artillery attacks. We couldn’t tolerate the sound of continuous artillery attacks. There was also an armed clash, so the workers packed their belongings and ran away. The bodies of the deceased villagers were severely damaged by the artillery attacks.”

In addition to the fatalities, twelve villagers sustained injuries, with two in critical condition. Ba Doe Saw Aye Nine, the spokesperson for the Thaton District Karen National Union, commented on the situation, saying, “The junta has terrorized people and violated human rights. As everyone is aware of this, I don’t want to comment further.”

The violence escalated following an attack on the Thane Za Yet Police Station in Kyaik Hto Township by resistance forces on July 22. In response, the junta’s 310th artillery regiment launched at least five artillery shells into nearby villages. This retaliation killed 47-year-old U Lin Sit Thu from Yaw Lay village and seriously injured his wife, Daw Kyi Kyi Win, who tragically died on the way to Thane Za Yet Hospital. A Yaw Lay resident reported, “Soon after the police station was attacked, we heard the sound of continuous artillery fire. The deceased woman was four months pregnant. Her husband died on the spot.”

This month alone, 16 civilians have been killed, and at least 32 local villagers have been injured due to the junta’s artillery attacks in Kyaik Hto Township.

The ongoing conflict in Kyaik Hto Township, Mon State, has experienced a substantial escalation in violence, primarily due to the junta’s artillery assaults on civilian areas. These attacks have resulted in significant casualties and injuries among local villagers, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region. The conflict involves confrontations between the military junta and the combined forces of the Karen National Liberation Army and the People’s Defense Force, with civilians frequently caught in the crossfire. This situation underscores the urgent need for international attention and intervention to address human rights violations and safeguard the affected communities.

Written by HURFOM · Filed Under News