Four civilians were killed and three others injured after military junta troops fired mortar shells into villages in Kyaikto Township, Mon State. More than 12,900 residents have fled their homes due to the ongoing military operation.
On February 9, a military column of around 250 junta troops advanced into villages in Khaywea and Winkan village tracts.
During the operation, clashes broke out near Sit Kwin village in Khaywea village tract between junta troops and joint revolutionary forces. Junta forces reportedly fired mortar shells toward villages where civilians were living.
As a result of the shelling, three civilians were killed: 60-year-old U Saw Naung and his 65-year-old wife Daw Ma Aye from Sit Kwin village, and 65-year-old U Aye Thein from Mokekhamawt village.
Three others were injured by mortar shell explosions, including 14-year-old Thet Moe Aung, the son of U Saw Naung, 72-year-old U Khin Sein from Mokekhamawt village, and 15-year-old Mg Sai Kyae Sin. One house was also damaged.
On the same day, junta troops shot and killed a 50-year-old resident from Ahkaing village, identified as U Kyet Oo, according to a statement released by the Karen National Union (KNU).
Earlier, on February 7, a joint military column of around 200 troops from Light Infantry Battalion – 2 and Infantry Battalion – 8 clashed with revolutionary force members between Hpoewarthein and Nyaunghtauk villages.
Following the clash, junta troops entered Nyaunghtauk village, looted civilian houses, seized six motorcycles and household items, and burned down two homes.
The column later moved into Ahlugyi village, where troops reportedly broke into houses and seized three motorcycles, mobile phones, cash, and household property before stationing in Hpoewarthein village.
Due to the military column and ongoing operations, more than 12,930 people from 2,939 households across 19 villages in Alu village tract, Ngar Pyaw Taw village tract, Khaywea village tract and Winkan village tract in Kyaikto Township have fled to safer areas.
