Southern Shan State Conflict Claims Lives of 49 Civilians in 49 Days

Southern Shan State Conflict Claims Lives of 49 Civilians in 49 Days

The Pa-O Youth Organization (PYO) reported on March 11 that 49 civilians were killed over a span of 49 days from January 21- March 9 in Hsihseng, Hopong, Loilem, and Pinlaung townships amidst ongoing conflicts in southern Shan State.

PYO also stated that among the casualties were a 6-month-old infant and four children aged between 5 and 10, totaling five children killed.

The majority of the civilian fatalities have been attributed to the Junta's artillery shelling, airstrikes, and executions during detentions, along with additional deaths resulting from drone bombings and deliberate shootings.

According to PYO during  the 49-day period of the ongoing conflict, the Junta launched over 1,500 artillery attacks conducted at least 408 air raids, resulting in the destruction of nearly 200 homes and other structures.

Shell shrapnel, small arms fire, and landmines resulted in injuries to 60 civilians, while 20  others were arrested by Junta troops, including four children and one pregnant woman among the injured.

Over 80,000 individuals have been displaced by conflicts in southern Shan State, including approximately 25,000 war refugees seeking sanctuary in the region amidst the intense fighting in Karenni State since 2022-23.

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