A representative from the Seven People Defence Force (SPDF) has confirmed that residents of Hman Cho village in Chaung-U Township, Sagaing Region, have been forced to evacuate after the military council forces shelled the Leithar Theingayorsin Temple and residential houses. The incident occurred around 12 noon on May 19, when military council troops stationed at the Chaung-U Township General Administration Office fired three 120mm artillery shells at Hman Cho village, striking the Leithar Theingayorsin Temple and several houses in the area.
The military council forces continued to shell the surrounding areas with heavy weapons. According to the SPDF official, the military council troops have been conducting indiscriminate artillery strikes daily, forcing residents of villages in Chaung-U Township to seek shelter both day and night. Currently, residents from Hman Cho village and neighboring communities have been forced to abandon their homes and flee to safer locations. The situation has created a mass displacement of civilians who are unable to return to their homes due to the ongoing threat of artillery attacks.
While the military council’s artillery strikes have caused significant damage to civilian homes and property, there were no reported casualties as residents had preemptively evacuated the area. However, local residents continue to live in constant fear due to the military council’s persistent artillery attacks, forcing them to abandon their homes and seek refuge elsewhere. The ongoing military operations have created a humanitarian crisis in the area, with displaced villagers facing uncertain futures and unable to return to their normal lives due to the constant threat of artillery strikes from military council forces.
