Recent Junta airstrikes in Karenni state, targeting areas without ongoing conflict, have resulted in the loss of civilian lives and injuries. A church, clinics, schools, and residential buildings have been destroyed by these attacks.
According to an official from the Hpasawng People's Defense Force, an incident occurred at midnight on July 11 in Hpasawng Township, when a non-conflict area was subjected to bombing by fighter jets. Tragically, a11-year-old civilian lost her life as a result, and a religious building, as well as six houses, sustained damage.
"The area experienced three instances of warplane bombings, resulting in the destruction of a Christian church and six houses. Tragically, an eleven-year-old boy lost his life in these attacks, while two others sustained injuries, fortunately not severe,” said an official from the Hpasawng People's Defense Force.
On July 12, at approximately 1 o'clock in the morning, airstrikes occurred on the border of Karenni State, resulting in the death of an internally displaced person (IDP) man. Additionally, three others sustained injuries during the airstrike.
The airstrikes resulted in damage to multiple houses where internally displaced persons (IDPs) reside. The clinic within the IDP camp was also affected. The Seh Theh School, attended by IDP teenagers, also sustained significant damage due to the airstrikes.
A Kantarawaddy Times reporter who arrived at the area where the airstrikes took place said, "In a devastating incident, a single plane dropped six bombs, resulting in the destruction of the Seh Theh school and approximately four or five houses belonging to villagers. Tragically, four or five villagers were injured in the process. The newly built clinic, located close to the homes of local residents, was also hit."
An official from the Hpasawng People's Defense Force said, "The deliberate targeting of civilian homes is an act of aggression. In these areas, there is no ongoing conflict or fighting. The regime led by Min Aung Hlaing gave the order to attack the lives, residences, and assets of innocent civilians. This reprehensible behavior stems from their frustration over their defeat. We strongly call upon the international community to respond and take decisive action against these heinous acts."
The Hpasawng People's Defence Force official stated that the military council troops have been targeting civilians without any apparent reason, which the official believes is a result of their frustration and anger over their own losses. The official called for international intervention and urged for action to be taken against these actions that pose a threat to innocent lives.
According to IDPs and PDF officials from those areas, it has been confirmed that there was no fighting in the two areas targeted by the Military Council's airstrikes.
It has been reported that the area in Hpasawng township that was hit by airstrikes yesterday is a village where only ordinary civilians reside. Similarly, the border area that was targeted by airstrikes early this morning is known to be a place where only IDPs live, without the presence of armed forces.
