In southern Myanmar’s Mon, Karen, and Tanintharyi regions, nearly 60 civilians were killed by indiscriminate mortar shell attacks by the military junta in July, according to data from the Human Rights Foundation of Monland (HURFOM).
HURFOM reported that despite the absence of active clashes, the junta has increased its mortar shelling in Mon State, Karen State, and Tanintharyi Region, resulting in the highest number of civilian casualties in July.
“Our monthly human rights review shows an alarming number of deaths, with between 53 and 58 civilians killed. We focus on Mon State, Karen State, and Tanintharyi for human rights violations. Over 100 people were injured,” said Nai Aue Mon, a spokesperson for the Human Rights Foundation of Monland.
Among those killed by the junta’s mortar attacks last month were a two-year-old child and a 15-year-old youth. The attacks also led to the destruction of 120 homes in Kawkareik Township, Bilin Township, Kyaikto, Kyaikmaraw, Ye, and Yebyu Townships.
On July 19, an aerial bombing in Ngapuinn village, Kyaikmaraw Township, killed over 30 people and injured many others. This incident, which occurred without any preceding clashes, was the most severe massacre by the junta in Mon State to date.
In addition to mortar attacks, the junta conducted 14 airstrikes in July. HURFOM reported that these airstrikes, along with landmine explosions in Yebyu, Dawei, Ye, and Kawkareik Townships, left at least 12 locals severely injured.
The military junta continues to perpetrate human rights abuses in Mon, Karen, and Tanintharyi using various methods. Over the past six years, nearly 70 civilians have been killed in Mon State alone due to junta-perpetrated violence, including mortar shelling, according to the LaGonEain Bulletin.
