Two civilians were fatally shot in a clash between Myanmar army troops and resistance fighters near Magyikone village, Palaw Township, Tanintharyi Region, according to local residents and social aid groups.
The fighting, which lasted about an hour, erupted after local defense forces attacked the military checkpoint near Magyikone village, where junta troops were stationed, on 24 May.
A 26-year-old woman named Ma Myat Moe Lin from Tanintharyi, who was traveling in a passenger bus, and another man on a motorcycle from Palaw got caught in the firefight and were fatally hit by bullets.
According to reports, the local social welfare group brought the bodies of the victims back to their villages.
During the clash, the Myanmar army battalion stationed in Pala town fired artillery shells continuously, damaging the Minhtein village monastery and destroying a resident’s motorcycle.
An official from the local defense forces told Than Lwin Times that at least three junta soldiers were killed in the clash.
The fighting has resulted in military tensions remaining high between the two sides along the Myeik-Palaw Road, with traffic almost at a standstill, according to local residents.
In Palaw Township, where martial law has been imposed, clashes between Myanmar army troops and resistance forces have been more frequent, resulting in casualties on both sides.
Sent by Than Lwin Times.