A Buddhist monk was killed, and two others were injured when a mortar shell fired by the military junta struck a monastery in Khaywe village, Theinzayat Township, Kyaikto, Mon State, according to local sources.

On March 21, at around 9:00 AM, junta troops stationed in Letpan village, Waw Township, Bago Region, launched indiscriminate mortar shelling toward Khaywe village in Kyaikto Township.

One of the mortar shells hit the village monastery, exploding inside the building where monks were preparing for their morning meal. A 50-year-old monk was directly struck by the blast and was killed on the spot, a local resident said.

Additionally, two other monks, both around 40 years old, sustained injuries from the explosion. They were taken to Theinzayat Township Hospital for treatment.

The mortar shell also damaged the monastery’s dining hall, according to residents.

Since early this year, the military junta has repeatedly carried out mortar shelling, drone bombings, and airstrikes in Kyaikto, Bilin, and Thaton Townships.

On March 13, three civilians were injured when the junta launched a drone attack near Mokekhamawt village, Kyaikto Township.