Two people were killed and two others seriously injured when landmines exploded in Tanintharyi and Thayetchaung Townships in Tanintharyi Region in recent days, according to local sources.
On 15 February, Ko Nay Zaw Oo, 24, from Auk Kin village in Tanintharyi Township, died after he stepped on a landmine near Artillery Battalion 306 while visiting his aunt in Myo Haung village, according to local residents.
On the same day, an 11-year-old child stepped on a landmine while playing in a rubber plantation near Kin Shey village in Thayetchaung Township. According to local residents, the child’s right leg was severed.
Also on 11 February, a 62-year-old man from Maw Tone village named U Haji died when he stepped on a landmine near Artillery Battalion 306 on his way back to Maw Tone from Myo Haung village, according to locals.
Also, on 12 February, a 40-plus-year-old woman from Kyar Inn village named Daw Myint Than lost the sole of her foot when she stepped on a landmine on her way to the rubber plantation near Pan Tawt village in Thayetchaung Township, according to villagers.
Most of the landmine explosions occurred within 300 yards of the military council positions, according to local residents.
Due to the frequent landmine explosions, residents of Thanatharyi and Thayetchaung Townships are increasingly concerned about travelling for work or for other reasons and want clearance of landmines to be conducted, residents said.
According to the data collected, at least 15 civilians were killed and more than 30 others were injured by landmines in the Tanintharyi Region in 2023.
Sent by Than Lwin Times.