Child Among Five Civilians Killed by Myanmar Junta Shelling; Villages Forced to Evacuate to Escape Conflict
At least five civilians, including a child, tragically lost their lives on Sunday as a result of shelling by the Myanmar junta in the Magwe Region, according to reports from local resistance groups. The incident took place in the southern Myaing Township, where a five-year-old girl was fatally wounded and her mother sustained injuries. Additionally, the child’s father and another woman lost their lives instantly when shells exploded near their house in Kin village. Unfortunately, the child succumbed to her injuries later.
Residents implicated a pro-junta Pyu Saw Htee militia in West Hpone Kan village, located in the adjacent Pakokku Township, as the source of the shelling. They claimed that these militia forces have been shelling surrounding villages on a regular basis, with at least three villages targeted just last Sunday. This constant threat has prompted the evacuation of at least three villages, as residents fear for their safety and wellbeing.
One displaced woman from Myaing shared her experience, stating that her community had been forced to abandon their homes and farmland almost a month ago due to the ongoing shelling. Seeking refuge in a local monastery, they are unable to return to their village because of the relentless attacks. The situation is dire, with shells even hitting the Kan Yat Gyi village monastery in Pakokku Township on Sunday, resulting in the deaths of two novice monks and injuries to five displaced individuals, according to reports from the Pakokku People’s Defense Force (PDF).
These recent incidents are not isolated cases. Resistance members revealed that in the past, a Myaing Township woman was also injured by shelling two weeks ago. In northern Myaing Township, additionally, at least six villages have been emptied over the past week due to raids by junta infantry. The situation worsened with the killing of a PDF member in Ywar Tan Shey village last week as a result of junta shelling. Sadly, this follows previous reports from resistance forces, citing over 10 villagers who lost their lives due to junta troops’ actions in Myaing Township in September.
The relentless violence in Myanmar continues to claim innocent lives, leaving families devastated and communities in fear. The targeting of civilians, including children and religious institutions, is a grave violation of human rights and necessitates urgent attention from the international community. Efforts must be made to ensure the protection and security of all individuals affected by the conflict, and to push for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing crisis in Myanmar.
