Airstrikes denounced Karenni Human Rights leader as a War Crime

Airstrikes denounced Karenni Human Rights leader as a War Crime

According to residents, a man was killed in Wanaung (Yin Talai) village, Hpasawng Township, Karen State when the Military Council bombed the area with warplanes and fired artillery shells.

On June 28, at approximately 11:00 p.m., a 56-year-old man was killed in Wanaung (Yin Talai) village, Hpasawng Township. The incident occurred when Military Council troops fired artillery shells at the village, without any ongoing conflict in the area.

Furthermore, according to the resident, eight houses were struck and damaged during the attack, and an additional house caught fire.

"In the midst of the devastating destruction, an uncle tragically lost his life to an artillery shell. Eight houses suffered damage from the impact of artillery shells, while one house was engulfed in flames. This incident extended to a total of nine houses affected," said a resident.

Starting from June 14, the Military Council in Hpasawng township has been conducting airstrikes on the eastern side of the Salween River, and artillery shells have been fired into the village, according to residents. Wanaung (Yin Talai) village was also targeted by artillery shells, resulting in a significant number of villagers fleeing to what they believed to be a safer location. At present, it is estimated that approximately 400 people have sought refuge from the violence.

On June 25, in Hpasawng township, the military council conducted an airstrike on a village, resulting in the tragic deaths of four residents. U Banyar, the founder of the Karenni Human Rights Group, emphasized that since the Military Council is targeting civilian areas without any ongoing conflict, such actions should be regarded as war crimes, and urgent measures, such as imposing sanctions, should be implemented promptly to address this situation.

"The international community considers this act as a war crime and needs to impose immediate sanctions.  States should actively engage in (supporting) our federal democratic process. By rallying behind democratic and ethnic armed forces, we can dismantle the oppressive grip of the military dictatorship. These efforts can begin healing our people who suffer daily losses," remarked U Banyar.

Wanaung (Yin Talai) village in Hpasawng Township has a population exceeding 700 individuals and comprises more than 120 households, according to the residents.

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