Following an attack on a militia group based in Ahryutaung village, Ye Township, Mon State, local residents are concerned that further mortar shelling may occur in the area.
On the morning of November 23rd, 2024, the Ye Blue group launched an assault targeting the militia group unit led by Lin Oo in Ahryutaung, resulting in a 20-minute exchange of fire.
After the attack, troops from the military junta’s 343rd and 587th Infantry Regiments entered the village and conducted searches, according to local residents.
Due to the presence of resistance groups in the surrounding area, residents fear more clashes between both sides, as well as potential artillery fire from the military junta.
A resident from Ahryutaung said “the villagers are worried that the military junta will fire artillery at night. Some people are already preparing, but in the evening, no one dares to move around.”
While daytime activities in the village remain somewhat normal, residents report that nighttime movement has ceased, with the village becoming eerily quiet.
One male resident said “In situations like these, it’s important to stay alert. When both sides are fighting, one can easily be caught in the crossfire. No one expected the recent attack, but ordinary villagers were still affected.”
During the attack on the Militia group, Lin Oo, the militia leader, was killed, two militia members personnel and a civilian man and woman also sustained injuries.
In a similar incident on October 6th, 2024, the New Mon State Party (NMSP) launched an attack on the militia group, injuring three of its members.
Earlier, on January 24th, 2024, the Ye Blue group ambushed a convoy carrying Lin Oo’s militia, resulting in the deaths of three militia members.
