The Junta's arbitrary artillery shelling has displaced over 5,000 residents from villages in Bilin Township, Mon State, according to Karen National Union (KNU) - Thaton District’s officials.
Following a mine attack that damaged the Kyoanait Bridge on the Yangon-Mawlamyine Highway Road near Shweyaungpya village in Bilin on May 11th,Junta troops have been lly launching artillery attacks at nearby villages nearly every day.
Between May 11-14, over 5000 residents from villages including Shweyaungpya, Ahwungyi, Zeewun, Khalautinn, and Mayangone were compelled to evacuate as a result of the Junta's near-constant shelling.
These villagers are currently seeking refuge in safe areas, such as Bilin and Thaton, and are hesitant to return to their villages at this time.
Following the mine attack on the bridge, the Junta's 314th Artillery Battalion, stationed in Zeewun village, directed artillery fire at Ahwunghy and Daukyat villages, resulting in the deaths of 3 locals, including children, and injuring 14 others.
On May 12 and 13, artillery shells fired by the Junta landed and detonated on the road linking Mongkawng and Shweyaungpya villages, claiming the lives of 2 travelers, injuring 1 individual, and resulting in the destruction of a vehicle.
During the post-coup period, tens of thousands of civilians in Bilin Township were displaced due to the threats of Junta’s shelling, as reported by KNU-Thaton District.
