Ongoing Shelling in Yebyu Township Leaves Villagers Displaced and in Fear as Crisis Deepens

April 23, 2025

Villages in Yebyu Township remains under threat, with ongoing artillery fire and unexploded ordnances continuing to terrorize residents as of April 23, 2025. What began with a devastating artillery attack on the night of April 21 has now escalated into a prolonged crisis, forcing hundreds to flee their homes and seek shelter in nearby fields and farmlands.

At least three houses and a local monastery were struck by junta-fired artillery shells in Sein Bon village, located in the Nat Kyi Sin village tract. The damage was compounded by reports of shells hitting a general store and two homes near Sein Bon station. Though no casualties were reported during that night’s bombardment—thanks to an earlier evacuation—villagers say the psychological toll and physical destruction have been severe.

The Mawrawaddy Navy base in Ohn Pin Kwin village tract reportedly fired heavy artillery toward the area between April 20 and 22, targeting lands near Ya Pu village. Shells also rained down from junta positions based in Kalain Aung, hitting civilian infrastructure and farmlands alike.

“Around Sein Bon, shells come from both the Mawrawaddy Naval side and the Kalain Aung-based junta forces. The monastery was hit. The school is right next to it. Three houses, including a store, are gone,” a local woman explained.

In addition to structural damage, the aftermath has revealed a more hidden danger: unexploded bombs. Residents report finding live shells in the rubble, making it too dangerous for anyone to return to their homes.

Displacement is rapidly increasing. Entire families from Sein Bon and neighboring Phayathonezu are now sheltering in makeshift tents in nearby gardens, fields, and even roadside patches—too afraid to go into the forest due to landmines and the risk of further air or artillery strikes.

Food shortages are becoming acute. “As of April 23, some families have nothing left to eat,” said Ko Myo, a 40-year-old resident of Sein Bon. “There are more than 800 people displaced now from Sein Bon and Phayathonezu alone. We’re just trying to stay alive near the village, afraid to move far.”

These events are part of a disturbing trend across the Tanintharyi Region. Repeated airstrikes, ground assaults, and shelling by junta forces have turned homes, religious sites, and schools into targets. Entire communities have been uprooted, with civilians forced to abandon their homes and livelihoods again and again. Insecurity, poverty, and trauma are growing with each attack.

The humanitarian need is now urgent. Displaced families—many of whom are women, children, and the elderly—require immediate support, including food, medical care, and safe shelter.

As the conflict escalates, so too does the suffering of civilians caught in the crossfire. The international community must act swiftly to respond to this deepening emergency.

Written by HURFOM · Filed Under News