Around 400 villagers across five settlements have been forced to flee after Myanmar military forces launched a surprise ground assault into western Hpruso Township, Karenni (Kayah) State, leaving a civilian wounded by gunfire, residents reported Thursday.

The military column advanced unannounced into a village on August 26, opening fire with small arms at close range upon arrival.

A local male resident sustained a gunshot wound when a bullet passed through his arm near the shoulder.

“He was shot at close range with a small arm,” a resident said, noting that villagers from the targeted settlement and four neighboring communities immediately fled into nearby forests to escape the troops.

Local sources said the displaced villagers are facing severe hardship while hiding in the jungle during the ongoing monsoon season.

The assault is part of a broader military offensive across Hpruso Township throughout August, where junta forces have frequently deployed drone strikes and artillery bombardments on civilian-populated areas alongside ground operations.