In recent days, two landmine explosions occurred near Mayan Chaung Village, alongside the Ye–Dawei Highway in Yebyu Township, Tanintharyi Region, leaving one child dead and three others injured.
Both incidents occurred at the same location, one on September 1 and the other on August 30, when local travelers triggered landmines.
According to residents, on the morning of September 1, three family members riding a motorcycle from Mayan Chaung Village toward Kyaing Aung to shop were forced to stop where the road was blocked with tree logs. They stepped on a landmine when they got down to move the obstruction between Mayan Chaung and Kaw Hlaing villages.
“The road was blocked with trees. Since the motorbike couldn’t pass, they got down to clear it, and that’s when the mine exploded. U Ko Oo was badly injured, his wife was slightly wounded, but their child died. All three were family members,” a Yebyu resident said.
As a result of the blast, U Ko Oo, around 50 years old, and his wife, Daw Zar Chi Moe, around 30, were injured, while their two-year-old son was killed.
Similarly, on August 30, a married couple riding a motorbike from Kyaing Aung to Mayan Chaung tried to avoid the tree logs blocking the road. They drove along the roadside, where they hit another landmine. A man in his 30s suffered a broken leg and other injuries.
So far, the landmines planted near the highway close to Mayan Chaung have killed one child and injured three people.
A revolutionary fighter on the ground said that since both the junta troops and resistance forces operate in the area, it is unclear who planted the mines.
However, civilians have been urged to be extremely cautious when traveling during clashes and avoid blocked areas, whether obstructed by objects or trees.
“Both sides—resistance and military—are active in that area, so we don’t know who planted the mines. As locals, we want people to stay far away. And it’s best not to go near blocked areas at all. Right now, battles keep happening around roadblocks. If possible, don’t go there until resistance groups say it’s safe,” he added.
Previously, the route was passable, and no landmine incidents occurred. But locals believe both sides may have planted mines during the current fighting in Yebyu.
Those seriously injured by the blasts have been taken to Dawei General Hospital for treatment.
Residents report that due to two weeks of ongoing military tension in Yebyu Township, authorities have blocked the stretch of road between Na Lwe Taung and Kyaing Aung. As of September 2, travel on that part of the Ye–Dawei Highway remains restricted.
