In Hpakant Township, Kachin State, three civilians including a 9-year-old child were killed due to heavy weapons and small arms fire from the terrorist military forces. On September 17 at around 4 PM, the military forces stationed in Hpakant fired artillery shells that landed and exploded in Maw Shan ward of Saing Taung (Seik Mu) village. The shelling resulted in the immediate death of 9-year-old Ma May Myat Noe Thway, while her sister Ma Khin Myat Noe, 17-year-old Maung Aung Linn Oo, and 60-year-old Daw Win sustained injuries. Two houses were also destroyed in the attack.
Earlier that morning, the terrorist military forces also raided Shan Kwat village in Hpakant Township and shot dead a civilian near the football field. Additionally, a man guarding the Catholic church compound in Sha Raw Ka village was killed when artillery fire from Strategic Hill struck him. Around 10:30 AM, soldiers shot and wounded another civilian in front of a bakery shop in Maw Wan ward, Hpakant town. In Saing Ja Bum village, a 50-year-old man was severely injured when military artillery shells landed and exploded in the area.
The terrorist military forces stationed in Hpakant town and Strategic Hill have been continuously launching unprovoked attacks on civilian areas in and around the town using heavy weapons and drones, despite the absence of any active fighting. Local sources report that these deliberate targeting of civilian populations has resulted in daily casualties and deaths of innocent civilians. The military continues to conduct these attacks on residential areas, showing complete disregard for civilian lives and safety, leading to ongoing civilian casualties and destruction of property in the region.
