Due to fierce fighting in the villages along the road sections that connect Payathonzu town on the Thai-Myanmar border in Thanbyuzayat in Mon State, the number of civilian casualties has been rising, according to residents.
At least six local civilians including women and children were killed due to the military council’s shelling and airstrikes with Y-12 jet fighter on Ahnankwin, Yetagun, Thetkaw, Hlutshan and nearby villages on that road section till 29 August, said a resident from Yetagun village.
“Now, the situation is bad between the entrance of Thetkaw, which leads to Payathonzu, and Zeehnitpin village. Every day we hear the sound of weapons. Yesterday (on 28 August), a woman from Yetagun village died on the spot due to a heavy shell fired by the military council. The heavy shell hit a house outside U Khway-Daw Yein village, killing two children and injuring their father,” said residents.
“Since 19 August, the military council has been conducting airstrikes on my village. A resident of Anang Kwin village was killed in the airstrike. One person who was retrieving belongings is still missing. Seven people died from diseases while fleeing,” said a female resident of Anang Kwin.
The intense fighting destroyed a monastery and civilian houses in Hlutshan village and nearly the entire village of Anang Kwin. The number of civilian casualties could increase, residents said.
The conflict between the two sides started after the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) and the joint revolutionary force attacked the Anang Kwin strategic military base on the Thanbyuzayat –Payathonzu road in around mid-August.
Ongoing fighting in Nan Kwin and Hlutshan villages has displaced thousands of residents from around ten villages including Tanyin, Pharyar, Panaung, Putaw, Yethpaw, Kakadit and Khun Nawa.
Concern is growing among residents as the military council may launch an offensive with ground troops due to weakened defense at the Anang Kwin strategic military base.
Sent by IMNA
