Three local civilians were shot to death, and over 3,000 have fled to safety in Hngetpyawtaw and Ahlu villages within the Karen National Union-KNU controlled area in Kyaik Hto Township, Mon State.
On July 14th, the KNU Doothahtoo District announced that the Military Junta Division-44 Battalion, composed of approximately 150 troops, entered Hngetpyawtaw and Ahlu villages in Kyaik Hto Township. The battalion reportedly fired motor shells and light weapons.
Due to the military junta’s entrance, 699 families comprising 3,149 individuals fled to safety in nearby villages.
On July 16, at approximately 4:30 pm the junta’s troops shot dead Mg Paing Chit Oo , as well as two local vendors.
The Independent Mon News Agency has not been able to independently confirm the shooting of the civilian.
The KNU claimed that junta troops also hijacked a car and set a motorcycle on fire.
The military junta’s media channel reported that the conflict between the two sides erupted when the local military junta team confronted and dispersed the KNU/PDF group, who were collecting fees near the village of Karawaiseik in Belin township. The report further stated that during the clash, two cars, one motorcycle, and ammunition were seized, along with the body of a KNU/PDF member.
The KNU Doothahtoo District announced that the military junta’s Division-44 battalion has been steadily firing mortar shells at the villages of Hngetpyawtaw and Ahlu. This has resulted in civilian casualties and damage to homes.
