May 19, 2024
In Shwegyin Township, Bago Region, artillery shelling by the junta forces on several villages resulted in the death of one civilian and the destruction of a monastery, according to reports from KNU headquarters.
On the night of May 16 at around 9:45 p.m., the junta’s 81-mm artillery from Infantry Battalion No. 20 fired into Yebyu Kan Village, killing 72-year-old U Myat Thein after a shell struck him, while the Yebyu Kan monastery was also hit and severely damaged.
Further shelling occurred when the junta’s Light Infantry Battalion No. 264 fired two 120-mm shells, landing near Nyaupin Gyi New Village and Kyauktan Village. The Shwegyin base also launched 120-mm artillery strikes at 10:39 p.m., hitting Kunte Su Village, where 68-year-old U Win Tin was seriously wounded. Other shells exploded near Kyauktan, Waimangalakone, and Nyaung Aye villages.
The KNU stated that the junta is deliberately targeting villages in Khalalwehtu District with continuous artillery shelling, causing immense fear among the local population, including elderly residents and children.
