The Karen National Union (KNU) Central Committee has officially reported that one civilian was killed and five others were injured due to the military council’s brutal attacks using aircraft and heavy weapons on villages in Nyaunglebin District, Bago Region. The attacks occurred on April 20th, targeting various locations in Kyaukkyi and Shwegyin Townships. The military council’s fighter jet conducted an airstrike on Kelatha Temple compound in Kyaukkyi Township around 11:00 AM, resulting in significant damage to pagodas, temple buildings, a dharma hall, and a monastery. This targeting of religious buildings constitutes a war crime and violates international law.
Later that day, around 4:30 PM, Infantry Battalion 264 based in Peinzalut fired 120mm artillery shells at Inn Pu Wa village in Shwegyin Township. The artillery strike killed U Kyaw Lwin, age 52, and severely injured five others: U Kyaw Soe Moe, Saw Lu Min, Naw Khin Cho Khaing, Naw Aye Thein Thein Aung, and Saw Aung Thet Paing. The attack also destroyed Naw Shwe Pyae Aye’s house and injured three cattle belonging to U Zaw Oo, according to the detailed KNU statement. These deliberate attacks on civilian areas clearly demonstrate the military council’s brutality and constitute serious violations of international humanitarian law.
The military council’s continued targeting of civilian populations and infrastructure represents a pattern of systematic violence against Myanmar’s people. The destruction of religious sites and civilian homes, along with the killing and injury of innocent civilians, highlights the urgent need for international action to address these ongoing atrocities. The KNU’s documentation of these incidents provides crucial evidence of the military council’s disregard for civilian lives and their failure to distinguish between military and civilian targets, which are fundamental principles of international humanitarian law.
