A civilian was injured by a landmine while returning to his home on the eastern side of Pekhon Lake in southern Shan State. According to local sources, the victim is male.

A local man told Kantarawaddy Times that the incident occurred on August 3rd, as the man was returning to his village.

“What we know is that he stepped on a landmine right in the village. It happened just yesterday. We don’t know what his injuries are. It’s possible they’re not disclosing details for security reasons, especially since the area is now under the control of the military junta,” the local source said.

The military junta has announced via its Telegram channels that it has successfully conducted clearance operations in Nyaung Shwe, Pekhon, and Moebye areas in southern Shan State and taken control of over 40 villages.

Following the junta’s declaration of clearing operations, there have been incidents of landmine injuries as civilians began returning home, according to a male volunteer assisting displaced persons.

“The junta announced the area had been cleared, but people are encountering landmines while returning. It raises questions about what the junta’s intention is. There’s no need to elaborate further to civilians. The civilian must be extremely cautious now that the area is declared under junta control,” the volunteer said.

Additionally, a pro-junta Telegram channel stated, “We have taken control of Ponelaw, Taung Po Gyi, Kone Paw, and Sin Phyu villages on the eastern side of Pekhon Lake and, together with local people, have cleared out terrorists. We are now discussing with local residents about reopening schools, and people are happy.”

Since July 10th, when the military junta took control of Moebye town and the entire Moebye-Loikaw highway, some villagers on the eastern side of Pekhon Lake have been trapped. As of now, there are still civilians remaining in the area.

Kantarawaddy Times is continuing to investigate and report on the current situation of the trapped civilians.