A civilian was injured and several homes damaged after mortar shell attacks launched by the military junta in Mon State’s Thaton District, according to a statement released by the Karen National Union (KNU).
The incident occurred on June 29, when troops from Military Battalion No. 310, without any prior clashes in the area, fired two mortar shells into civilian-populated areas. The shells exploded near residential homes in Kyaukyaetwin Village, located in the Winkan Village Tract of Kyaikto Township.
As a result of the shelling, a woman identified as Daw Htay sustained injuries from shrapnel, and her house was also damaged, the KNU reported.
A similar attack took place on June 26 in Bilin Township. Military Battalion No. 44, Khamar (2) Regiment, based in Laykay Village, Myitkyoe Village Tract, fired six mortar shells into the village, three 60 mm and three 40 mm rounds. The explosions damaged at least four civilian homes.
Across Thaton District—including Thaton, Bilin, and Kyaikto townships—military junta forces have been indiscriminately firing mortar shells into villages, even in the absence of armed clashes. These attacks have resulted in civilian injuries and fatalities, along with damage to homes and farmland.
Fearing further attacks and military presence, thousands of local residents have fled their homes in search of safer areas.
