Weekly Analysis: Drone Attacks and Artillery Shelling Target Civilians in Southeastern Burma

January 27, 2025

Civilians in Burma have been forced to endure endless attacks by the military junta. Communities that have long been affected by the junta’s atrocities are living in constant fear. In targeted areas of Mon State, Karen State, and the Tanintharyi region, the Human Rights Foundation of Monland (HURFOM) has documented debilitating circumstances that continue to threaten and undermine the safety of local people.

The junta’s ongoing artillery shelling and drone strikes in Kyaik Hto and Bilin townships, Mon State, have left residents living in constant fear. Since the second week of January 2025, the intensified attacks have caused injuries, destroyed homes, and forced villagers to either flee or seek protection in makeshift bomb shelters.

In Kara Wai Sate village, Bilin Township, junta troops from Battalion 44 launched artillery shells on January 18 at 1 PM, targeting areas near the road connecting Nget Pyaw Taw and Ta Gay Chaung Pyar villages. One shell exploded in front of U Shwe’s shop and home, leaving him with minor injuries to his forehead, ear, and face. The blast also caused significant damage to his house and shop.

Drone strikes and artillery shelling have wreaked havoc across the region, destroying homes, monasteries, and even public water ponds. Many villagers have been forced to flee, while others remain in their homes, seeking refuge in bomb shelters during the attacks.

“They are firing artillery randomly and using drones to drop bombs. Villagers’ homes are being hit continuously,” said a resident.

On January 19, at 11 AM, Artillery Battalion 310 launched a shell from its Thane Zayat base toward Kha Ywel village in Kyaik Hto Township. The strikes destroyed electrical lines, causing a power outage, and burned down Ko Moe Min’s home.

Earlier, on January 17, Light Infantry Battalions 404 and 405 from the Mae Pa Lee outpost fired a 120 mm artillery shell into Asuu Chaung village, Bilin Township. The shell destroyed a shrine, a pond, a monastery, and a house. The following day, another shell landed near the village, although no injuries were reported. These attacks have forced thousands of locals to evacuate from nearby towns, including Asuu Chaung, Mae Pa Lee, Wa Dut Kwin, and Kha Ywel.

Despite the constant threat of shelling, some villagers in Kara Wai Sate have chosen to stay but hide in bomb shelters during attacks, resuming their activities once the shelling subsides.

Tragically, on January 3, an artillery shell fired from the junta’s Nat Gyi base in Bilin Township hit U Than Htun’s house in the new ward of Nat Gyi village. The blast killed U Than Htun, 55, and his 28-year-old niece, Ma Thae Ei Soe, instantly. Three others—Ma Khine Pu, 35, Naw Hla Gay, 19, and Daw Ah Maw, 50—sustained head and arm injuries.

The situation in Kyaik Hto and Bilin remains dire. In December 2024 alone, four civilians were killed and five others injured in Kyaik Hto and Hpa-An townships due to similar artillery attacks within KNU Brigade 1’s territory.

Overview of Main Cases

Rice Shortage Hits Villages Along the Gyine River, Kyaikmayaw, Mon State

Since 2023, ongoing military tensions have caused significant disruption in Dhammasa, Ta Ra Nar, Kaw Swell, Kaw Thut, Kha Yone Gu, Than Ga Long, and Kyune Gone villages in Kyaikmayaw Township, Mon State. Villagers have been unable to return to their paddy fields due to unexploded bombs and landmines left behind after armed conflicts, resulting in a growing rice shortage in the region.

Families Flee to Thanbyuzayat Amid Clashes, Landmines, and Junta Military Operations

Residents along the Thanbyuzayat-Three Pagodas Road, connecting Mon and Karen States, are being forced to relocate to Thanbyuzayat town due to escalating battles, advancing military troops, and the constant threat of landmines and unexploded ordnance.

Local sources confirm that the ongoing violence has severely disrupted lives and livelihoods, leaving families displaced and communities in crisis.

Tragic Artillery Strike in Mon State: One Killed, Three Injured in Kyaik Hto Township

On the evening of January 21, 2025, an artillery strike by junta forces tragically claimed the life of one civilian and left three others injured in Hnapyawdaw village, Kyaik Hto Township, Mon State. According to HURFOM field reporters, the attack caused severe damage to homes and personal property, sending shockwaves through the community.

Between 6:35 PM and 6:55 PM, two rounds of 120mm artillery shells, fired from the junta’s Artillery Regiment Command No. 602, struck the village. One of the shells hit the home of U Tin Naing Oo and Daw Aye Cho in Lower Hnapyawdaw village, killing Daw Aye Cho (54) instantly. Her daughter, 15-year-old Yun Nadi Oo, sustained critical injuries to her legs and body.

Key Statistics from Mon State and Beyond

110+ cases of money extortion from parents and guardians, primarily linked to the junta’s conscription law.
25+ civilian homes destroyed by artillery and drone attacks, while more than 40 others have suffered partial damage.
8+ cases in Tanintharyi where local villagers were forcibly used as human shields by junta forces, putting their lives at grave risk