Junta forces stationed on Hpakant Hill indiscriminately fired artillery into residential areas of Hpakant Township at 12:30 am on 9 September, killing a local woman and injuring seven others, according to residents.

The shells struck Ward 3 of Seikmu village and Bazan Chaung Ward in the Seikmu group. Three people from Seikmu and five from Bazan Chaung were injured, with one reported to be in critical condition.

“They fired about 19 or 20 rounds of 120mm shells from the Hpakant Hill base around 12:30 am. The shells exploded in residential areas. The woman who died suffered severe facial injuries. Those who were not in critical condition were hit in their arms and legs,” said Ko Soe Gyi, a Hpakant resident.

The deceased woman, believed to be about 50 years old, was killed instantly after being struck in the face by shell fragments. The critically injured man has been transferred to Myitkyina Hospital for treatment.

Locals reported that a teacher from a junta-run middle school was also among the injured.

The shelling destroyed two houses and a school in Seikmu Ward 3, as well as five houses in Bazan Chaung Ward.

Separately, at around 8:40 pm on the evening of 8 September, junta forces reportedly set fire to and destroyed the Katone San Company building in Hmaw Maung Layan village, Ayemyathaya village tract, in Hpakant Township.