Five civilians were injured when artillery shells, fired by the Military Council, exploded in the villages of Ngamu and Nyaungmun, located in the eastern side of Hpekon Township in Shan State, on April 27th, according to a local.
“I was in close proximity to those who were injured. After finishing their work, they gathered together to chat indoors and enjoyed tea. They were unaware of the artillery firing from the side as they conversed. Sadly, among the 8 rounds of artillery fire, the first shell hit their house directly, resulting in their injuries due to the shell penetrating the roof. Four individuals were injured within the house, and a young man from the village was also slightly hurt. Knowing that the area was being shelled, the young man stopped his motorcycle to assess the situation when an artillery round exploded near him, fortunately escaping serious harm. The four previously mentioned individuals were transported to Loikaw, which was a considerable distance away, to receive medical treatment”, the local who witnessed the mayhem told the Kantarawaddy Times.
Although there were no reports of any fighting, the Hpekon-based Military Council troops fired artillery eight times on April 27th at around 11:00 AM, resulting in severe damage to a house and causing minor damage to the surrounding area.
Due to previous shelling by the Military Council, the villagers in that village were fleeing with fear, with only a few individuals having returned temporarily for essential work purposes.
"The shelling, which previously could have been justified by ongoing fighting, was now occurring without any apparent reason or provocation. Many locals had already fled the village, and only a few brave individuals were returning for work, even with no women among them. Despite the villagers' attempts to work quietly and humbly, they were still targeted by artillery fire, in what appears to be a deliberate and cruel act lacking any regard for civilian lives. It is clear that the Military Council was aware of the presence of unarmed civilians in the village and still chose to shell it. As an ordinary citizen, I find this action deeply distressing, and it further undermines the sense of security of ordinary people like me”, he added.
In addition, there was a battle on April 26th in the Nyaungwaing ward of Mobye (Mongpai) Township, where the Military Council troops were conducting covert patrols. The local Karenni Defense Forces engaged them, resulting in significant casualties for the Junta forces.
Between April 1st and 27th, the Military Council carried out indiscriminate shelling in Karenni State, resulting in the death of a civilian and injuries to at least 13 others, according to data collected by the Kantarawaddy Times.
