4 local residents were killed and 9 others were injured due to the firing of artillery shells in the village by the Military Council battalions based in Kyaikhto Township, Mon State.

On March 29, at approximately 11:00 p.m., the 314th Artillery Battalion of the Military Council launched artillery shells into Daukyat village-tract in Thaton Township, which is the territory of the Karen National Union (KNU) Brigade 1. One of the shells struck a house in Taungkalay village, resulting in an explosion.

According to a statement released by the KNU central, in addition to the destruction of the house by the artillery shell, six individuals were injured. These individuals include 75-year-old Daw Ma Thaung, 40-year-old Daw Naw Pyo, 14-year-old Nyi Nyi Zaw, 5- year-old Chit Moe Aung, 5-year-old Chit Moe Thu, and 14-year-old Naw Sabal Phyu.

On March 27, at approximately 8:00 p.m., an artillery shell exploded near Melyonelay village, fired by the No. 2 Infantry Battalion under the Military Council’s 44th Division.

The explosion resulted in the deaths of 22-year-old Maung Thar Chaung (aka) Maung Zaw Htet Aung and 24-year-old Saw Naung Oo, as well as causing serious injuries to 46-year-old U Win Htay.

Likewise, on March 26 at approximately 8:30 p.m., artillery shells were launched in the Pyinkatoekone village-tract, which resulted in an explosion in an orchard near Melyonelay village. The explosion caused injuries to 46-year-old garden guard U Kyaw Min.

Furthermore, on March 20, an explosion took place in Arloo village-tract as a result of shelling by the Military Council, resulting in the deaths of two residents and injuries to one.

KNU-Kyaikhto officials have reported that over 3,800 residents have been forced to flee to safety due to the artillery shells fired by the Military Council.