Fierce fighting has broken out between the Myanmar Army and resistance forces in the urban areas of Launglon in Dawei District, Tanintharyi Region, causing civilian casualties, according to residents.
People’s Defense Forces (PDFs) began storming the police station, the military intelligence office, and checkpoints where junta soldiers are stationed at around 5:30 am on 30 January, residents and PDFs said.
During the fighting, at least two civilians, including a 58-year-old man, were injured by artillery shelling and some houses were damaged or destroyed, residents said.
A resident of Launglon said, “In Ward (A), one person was hit by a shell fragment while sweeping with a broom behind his house. We have also heard of people being hit in other places”
The urban battle in Launglon started at 5:30 am on 30 January and continued until the afternoon. It died down slightly in the evening, although heavy weapons could still be heard, according to residents.
During the fighting, indiscriminate shelling of houses by the Myanmar Army with light and heavy weapons has resulted in civilian casualties. The situation has also made access to emergency medical care difficult, the Dawei District Strike Committee said in a statement.
In addition, a safety warning has been issued for residents to seek shelter in sturdy buildings or behind walls, as artillery shells can hit the urban areas of Launglon and surrounding villages at any time.
Also on 30 January, fierce fighting was reported between the Myanmar Army and resistance forces in Palaw Township, with casualties on both sides as the military launched airstrikes.
Sent by Than Lwin Times.