Four civilians were injured after mortar shells fired by junta forces exploded in Khaywea and Hngetpyawtaw villages in Kyaikto Township, according to local sources.

On April 24, around noon, troops from Artillery Battalion 310, based in Theinzayat town, launched at least four mortar shells into Khaywea village, locals reported.

As a result of the shelling, Ko Chat Kyi and Ko Taw Ka, both residents of Khaywea village, sustained injuries from shrapnel.

“When the shells started falling and exploding inside the village, people fled, some ran, and others hid in trenches. After about four shells hit, it became quiet again. Only then did we dare return to our homes,” a villager recounted.

The injured men were transported to a township hospital in Theinzayat for medical treatment, the villager added.

Similarly, around 12:30 p.m. the same day, junta forces based in Kyaikto Township fired mortars toward Hngetpyawtaw village. One shell exploded inside the village, injuring two more men, according to locals.

Recent reports indicate that the military junta has increased shelling into villages in both Kyaikto and Bilin townships, alongside airstrike operations.

Earlier, on April 19, junta aircraft bombed Min Saw village monastery in Bilin Township, resulting in the deaths of one novice monk and two women. More than 10 people, including monks and children, were also injured during the attack.