In Mon State, Thaton District, mortar shelling by the military junta has resulted in the deaths of nine civilians and injuries to eight others within two days in the Karen National Union (KNU) administered areas, according to a KNU statement.
The KNU reports that the military junta targeted civilian-populated villages and workplaces with deliberate mortar attacks.
On July 23, near Kyauktanlay Village in Kyaikto Township, a clash occurred around 9 a.m. between the military junta and revolutionary forces. Following this, the military’s 602nd Artillery Battalion stationed in Kyaikto fired four mortar shells into Pyinkatoekone Village.
The mortar shell explosions killed Soe Htet Paing (18), Chit Ko (19), Nyein Htet Aung (19), Tun Tun Win (29), Aung Zin Htwe (20), Aung San Min (24), and Chit Thae (24). Additionally, two women and five men were injured, the KNU statement added.
The deceased were gold miners who were fleeing towards the town when they were struck by mortar shells near Pyinkatoekone Village.
On July 22, following an attack on the Theinzayat Police Station by the Joint Revolutionary Forces, the military’s 310th Artillery Battalion retaliated with mortar fire. The shells exploded in Theinzayat, killing Ko Lay Sit Thu (47) and a pregnant woman, Ma Kyi Kyi Linn (45). Ma Yin Wai Lwin (41) was also injured in the attack.
