At least 267 civilians were killed in Tanintharyi Region in 2023 following the military coup, according to a report by Tanintharyi-based research group FE5 Tanintharyi.
The report reveals that 36% of civilian deaths were caused by Myanmar Army soldiers and the Pyu Saw Htee militia, 27% by the People’s Defense Forces (PDFs), and 37% by unidentified armed groups.
According to the FE5 Tanintharyi report, the civilian casualties from the military junta include killings of locals and concealment of their bodies when army columns raid villages, as well as deaths from indiscriminate shelling.
In addition, pro-military groups such as Pyu Saw Htee, Thway Thauk and Swan Ye have also deliberately targeted and killed youth activists, families of PDF members, and NLD members, according to the report.
According to officially released information from Local People’s Defense Forces, they have assassinated even some administrators and staff, including members of Pyu Saw Htee and Thway Thauk militias, and military informants.
FE5 Tanintharyi reports that there have also been cases of mistaken killings and deaths of family members, as well as cases of travelers getting caught in the crossfire.
According to a 10 January report by the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP), more than 4,300 civilians have been killed across the country since the military coup.
Sent by Than Lwin Times