Three people, including an 80-year-old woman and a 10-year-old boy, were injured on March 3 in Arakan State when an artillery shell exploded in Pyaing Taing village, Kyauktaw Township, according to local villagers.

The injured are Daw Hla Mya Oo, 80, Maung Hla Thein Maung, 10, and U Saw Myint, 50.

“The artillery shell exploded between two houses and these people were hit by pieces of shrapnel. The old woman cannot endure the injuries and is in serious condition,” said a local.

The villager added that although U Saw Myint’s injuries were also serious, he was not taken to hospital and was instead receiving medical treatment in the village because there were concerns that armed groups might block the way or otherwise hinder travel to the nearest hospital.

Clashes occurred between the Tatmadaw and Arakan Army (AA) about three miles away from Pyaing Taing village on the morning of March 3, locals said. The artillery shell hit the village at about 11 a.m.

More than 130 civilians have been killed and over 360 injured due to fighting between the Tatmadaw and AA, according to the Arakan Students Union (Universities-Yangon).