Ten residents were killed and at least 27 others were injured after three mortar shells landed and exploded in Jeitchaung Village, part of Arakan State’s Maungdaw Township, at about noon on Wednesday, according to locals.

“The villagers were gathering inside the homes when three mortar shells fell in the village at around 12 noon today. Three homes were destroyed by the shelling,” said an elder from Jeitchaung Village.

Seven residents were pronounced dead at the scene and three others died while being sent to Kyeinchaing Hospital in Maungdaw Township.

The deceased have been identified as U Shwe Laung, 65; Ko Min Yar, 27; Ko Pyo Thway, 30; Ko Kyoe Aung, 25; Ko Sein Hla Maung, 35; Maung Nin Mawaing, 5; U Hson Yone, 60; Maung Kyar Poke, 15; Ma Hla Thein, 6; and Ko Khin Maung Zaw, 55. Some of the injured have been admitted to Maungdaw Hospital.

Jeitchaung villagers have accused the military’s security checkpoint in Kyeinchaung Village and he local Border Guard Force of firing mortar shells into the village.

The victims were killed and injured as they gathered at the shell-struck homes after small arms fire was heard near the village, another resident said.

“Now, we don’t hear the sounds of gunfire and no one remains in the village. Almost all residents have fled to Kyeinchaung Village,” he added.

Arakan State Minister for Security and Border Affairs Colonel Kyaw Thura and regime spokesperson Major-General Zaw Min Tun could not be reached for comment.

Jeitchaing Village is home to more than 470 ethnic Mro people from 55 households. The locals primarily engage in farming.

Four men were also killed and two others including a Grade 9 student were injured by an artillery strike in Chaungtu Village, part of Arakan State’s Kyauktaw Township, at about noon on Wednesday.