The military conducted airstrikes and artillery shelling for three consecutive days in Win Kan and Kara Way Seik villages in Kyaikto Township in Kawthoolei area of Karen National Union (KNU) even though there was no fighting, according to local sources.
Between 10 and 12 May, the military was repeatedly bombing Win Kan village in the Kawthoolei administered area. The junta’s artillery shelling on Kara Way Seik village in Ahlu village-tract killed one woman, injured four others and destroyed 19 houses, according to KNU statement.
At around 1:50 p.m. on 12 May, without any prior fighting, the Myanmar military launched airstrikes, dropping three bombs on Win Kan village in Kyaikto Township. The extent of the casualties and damage is still being confirmed.
A local from Win Kan said: “The junta dropped bombs without any fighting. Many houses were burned to ashes. Two people were injured. This afternoon, the junta dropped three bombs. I don’t know whose houses were hit. All the people from Win Kan village have fled.”
According to a statement from the KNU, the woman who died was 66-year-old Daw Khin Aye from Kara Way Seik (Middle) village. On 10 May, she was killed by two 120mm artillery shells fired by the military’s infantry division headquarters, which struck her head, leading to her death.
Due to ongoing airstrikes by the military, at least 4,000 civilians from villages including Win Kan, Shan Su, Kha Ywea, and Chaung Wa in the area have fled to safety.
“We’ve now taken refuge. Currently, almost all people from six villages have fled. Locals no longer stay there. They all have fled. At least 4,000-5,000 locals are displaced,” said the local.
The military has frequently carried out airstrikes on civilian villages and monasteries in Kyaikto Township. KNU officials have warned the public to remain alert when traveling, as airstrikes continue to target civilian areas.
During this month, the military has reinforced and tightened security at military checkpoints along the Yangon-Mawlamyine road between Kyaikto and Bilin Townships.
Although the military council declared a ceasefire from 6 to 31 May, ethnic armed groups and resistance organizations have reported that airstrikes, artillery shelling, and ground offensives continue to be carried out across the country.
Similarly, the Myanmar military continues to carry out airstrikes in the Tarlel village tract in Hlaingbwe Township, in KNU-controlled Brigade-7 area, forcing local residents to flee.
Sent by IMNA
