In Demoso Township, Karenni State, a refugee camp housing internally displaced people (IDPs) was deliberately bombed by the Military Council, resulting in injuries to three family members, including a critically wounded child who is nearly 3 years old.
During the early hours of July 4th, around 2:00 AM, the camp was subjected to a bombing while its inhabitants were asleep, an IDP said.
"Three family members were injured, each with different levels of severity. The mother needs surgery, the father's injuries are being examined through x-rays, and the 2-year-10-month-old child is particularly worried about his head injury. Considering the child's pre-existing health issues, his well-being is an even greater concern”, he told Kantarawaddy Times.
The military aircraft conducted four attacks on the camp, resulting in the destruction of several shelters and a school. The school was also forced to close temporarily.
Following the air assault by the Military Council on the area where civilians sought shelter, many IDPs fled the camp and sought refuge in the adjacent forests. Some IDPs said that there had been no recent combat in the vicinity of the camp prior to the attack.
"When the bombing began, I feared for the lives of my entire family. But after the initial strike, we miraculously remained unharmed, so we hurried to the bomb shelter. I fervently recited every prayer I could recall. By the grace of God, our loved ones were spared. Though our house suffered damage, with shattered glass and a damaged wall caused by shrapnel”, an IDP woman said.
According to a statement released by the Demoso People's Defense Force (Demoso-PDF), during the aerial bombardment, aircraft belonging to the Military Council deployed two 500-pound bombs and two 100-pound bombs. As a result, three individuals, including a child, were injured, and significant damage was inflicted upon a school and several structures within the camp.
Residents said that the area where the bombing occurred had no reported instances of fighting, and it was characterized by scarce phone lines and challenging internet connectivity.
In addition, during the month of June, a series of air raids resulted in the unfortunate deaths of five civilians and the destruction of numerous homes across different townships of Karenni State.
As per the Progressive Karenni People Force (PKPF) list published on July 1st, it has been reported that the Military Council has conducted a total of 527 airstrikes in Karenni State in the aftermath of the coup.
The Military Council's airstrikes in Karenni State were not limited to military targets but also extended to residential areas, leading to numerous civilian casualties.
