On February 12, around 5 PM, the Myanmar military junta and the Pa-O National Army (PNA) launched artillery shells at Taungpotwel village, Nyaungshwe Township. As a result, two civilians, including a 10-year-old child, were killed, according to a statement released by the Human Rights of Inle Region (HRIR).
A local resident reported that around 12 artillery shells were fired from Pekhon Township. Approximately, six of the shells landed inside the village, despite no ongoing battles in the area.
“There was no battle. They just fired around 12 artillery shells randomly. Four people were hit, and two of them died,” said the resident.
The victims include a 10-year-old child, who died from head and back injuries, and a man in his 40s, who died from head injury. Additionally, a man and a woman in their 40s got injuries. The shelling not only killed the people but also damaged several homes in the village.
According to HRIR’s statement, the junta and PNA joint forces randomly fired artillery shells targeting Nyaungshwe Township, even without active fighting. This has resulted in the deaths of eight people, including children, and over ten injured within two months. Due to the frequent shelling, villagers are living in fear, and some have fled to other areas for safety.
