Twenty-four civilians were killed and many others were injured in a military airstrike on Mawchi area in Karenni State’s Hpruso Township, according to local sources. The military council conducted an airstrike on the 16th Hill area of Mawchi region at 12:15 PM on August 17, resulting in the deaths of 24 civilians including 5 children. Sources indicate that the death toll could rise as several of the injured are in critical condition.
Earlier that day at 8:30 AM, the military council also bombed the Lokarlo Public Hospital, injuring two civilians including a child and causing significant damage to the hospital building. Local residents confirmed that all casualties were civilians, with no armed resistance members among the victims. The bombing targeted residential areas, an internet cafe, and areas near a primary school.
The military council has been conducting frequent airstrikes on the Mawchi region. On July 14, an airstrike on civilians using internet services in Setsara Ward killed seven people, including a shop owner and a child, while injuring about twenty others. On July 9, two 200-pound bombs were dropped on Lolawthi village, killing six civilians and destroying homes. Similarly, on June 25, despite no active fighting in the area, an airstrike hit a mining operation and a grocery store in Taungpaw village, resulting in seven civilian deaths and numerous injuries.
The ongoing military airstrikes in the Mawchi region have caused continuous loss of civilian lives and property. Local residents report that these attacks have specifically targeted civilian areas, causing widespread destruction and displacement in the community. The pattern of airstrikes has created a humanitarian crisis in the region, with civilians bearing the brunt of the military council’s aggressive actions. The recent incidents are part of a broader campaign of military violence that has severely impacted the daily lives of residents in the Mawchi area, leading to significant civilian casualties and destruction of essential infrastructure including medical facilities and businesses.
