The AYA PDF Strategic Command 29 has confirmed that nine civilians were killed and twenty others were injured when the military council forces conducted airstrikes and artillery attacks on villages in Yekyaw and Lemyethna Townships of Ayeyarwady Region. From May 15 to June 30, military council troops from Amata 344 base camp in Yekyaw Township and other military bases in both townships carried out attacks on civilian residential areas using aircraft, drones, paramotors, and heavy weapons including incendiary bombs.
Among those killed in the attacks were residents from various villages in Lemyethna Township including Lekonegyi, Sawpya, Gwepintauk, Tountaw, Shankwin villages, and near the base of Setalone Pagoda. The confirmed casualties include Daw Cho Ma Oo (50), Daw Myint Myint Than (59), Daw Zigwet (70), Daw Khin San Win (45), Maung Aung Ye Thu (10), Maung Chit Ko Ko (17), U Chit (85), U Kyaw Zin Htet (27), and Ko Phyo Gyi (20). Additionally, twenty civilians from various village tracts including Kwin Gyi, Ywa Thit Gyi, Wet Kone, and Chin Lay in both Lemyethna and Yekyaw Townships suffered injuries during these attacks, according to local sources.
As revolutionary forces have intensified their offensive operations in the Ayeyarwady Region, the military council, facing significant military setbacks, has deliberately targeted civilians in their attacks. Particularly in areas bordering Rakhine State, the Arakan Army (AA) has been conducting operations against military council outposts, with ongoing battles as officially announced by the AA. In response to this situation, AYA PDF Strategic Command 29 has strongly condemned the military council’s war crimes against civilians and declared their intention to respond as necessary. The escalating violence against civilians demonstrates the military council’s continued pattern of targeting non-combatants in areas where they face military pressure from resistance forces.
