Locals in Sonnantthar Village, Ye Township, Mon State, are living in fear as the military junta continues indiscriminate mortar shelling from bases in Ahryutaung and Kyaungywar villages.

On January 16, junta troops from Infantry Battalion 343 in Ahryutaung Village and Infantry Battalion 591 in Kyaungywar Village began shelling the area after hearing reports of vehicle inspections by the Ye Blue resistance group along the Ye-Mawlamyine road. Mortar shells landed and exploded inside Sonnantthar Village, forcing residents to flee for safety.
A local source revealed that although villagers returned home on January 17, they remain deeply anxious about further shelling.
“We don’t know what to do. We’re scared. We stay close to one another, ready to run if needed. On January 16, the junta occupied the entire Sonnantthar school,” said a male resident.
In addition to the shelling, the military junta has taken control of key areas within Sonnantthar Village, including the local school. The presence of troops in the school has led to its closure, further unsettling the community.
“The situation is not peaceful at all. Junta troops stationed themselves at the school, even removing the school flag,” a female resident shared.
The unrest in Ye Township has escalated following intense clashes in Kyonlaung. Junta forces stationed in Ye have been firing mortars daily, imposing strict inspections at checkpoints, and blocking roads.
Reports indicate heavy junta casualties in the Kyonlaung conflict. In retaliation, the junta is targeting residential villages, like Sonnantthar, with continuous mortar shelling, further aggravating the already dire situation for civilians.