Weekly Analysis: Unprovoked Attacks by the Junta Across Southeastern Burma Spark Fear and Alarm

November 18, 2024

HURFOM: The junta has scaled up its attacks throughout Southeastern Burma, creating widespread distress and panic among communities who have been routinely displaced. The Human Rights Foundation of Monland (HURFOM) has observed that in targeted areas of Mon State, Karen State and the Tanintharyi region, the military is intentionally targeting local areas and inciting fear and lawlessness.

On November 4th, despite no active armed clashes in the area, the military dropped two 250-pound bombs on Ban Pyae village and four additional bombs on Koe Inn village, Ta Ku village tract, Tenasserim. The artillery shells struck a house in Koe Inn village and injured a man.

“A bomb struck nearby homes. The wounded individual was struck by shrapnel. At a time like this, with limited access to proper medication and skilled medical care, civilians caught in the crossfire by these strikes often have to treat their injuries in makeshift ways. Some wounds worsen because proper healing is impossible,” a resident from Koe Inn shared.

“Everyone here lives in constant fear, uncertain of when an artillery shell or bomb might strike their home. People are too traumatized and fearful to even work for survival.”

The injured civilian, identified as 22-year-old Ko Wonna Kyaw, sustained shrapnel injuries to his leg as a result of the attack. Earlier, on October 26, the junta also conducted simultaneous airstrikes with K8W fighter jets and MI2 helicopters on Ban Pyae villages in East Laethit and Thein Daw village tracts, injuring three residents.

Then, once again, even though there was no active conflict in the area, military junta forces fired artillery shells into Kyone Laung Haung village in Ye Township, Mon State, on November 12, striking the compound of a Basic Education Middle School. It was committed at 4 AM by Infantry Battalion 343, which launched at least two artillery rounds into the village. The first shell landed near the local monastery, while the second struck the school compound, shattering windows and damaging nearby items.

Fortunately, no injuries were reported among teachers or residents; however, the incident caused minor damage to the school buildings. Parents are now deeply concerned for the safety of their children, particularly as the school is set to reopen within days. Many families are reluctant to send their children back, fearing additional attacks.

Kyone Laung Haung is known for active operations by the Ye Balu group, prompting ongoing air patrols and artillery strikes by junta forces. Earlier this year, in January and February, Infantry Battalions 343 and 587 shelled residential areas and rubber plantations in the village, resulting in the tragic death of an 11-year-old child, serious injuries to a young man still receiving treatment at Yangon General Hospital, and injuries to 14 other civilians.

The escalation of unprovoked attacks by the junta comes as the military continues to seek control over critical areas taken by the resistance forces. All international actors must support the pro-democracy movement to ensure its success and condemn the terrorist attacks by the junta, which are ongoing. This must then be met with tangible actions, including a referral of the human rights situation in Burma to the International Criminal Court, aviation sanctions and a global arms embargo.

Written by HURFOM · Filed Under Analysis, News