A seven-year-old girl and a civilian were injured when the military launched an artillery strike on Sammataw village in Budalin Township, Sagaing Region, according to local residents. The incident occurred on July 30, 2023, at approximately 11:30 AM when the Northwest Military Command, based in Monywa, fired artillery shells that landed and exploded in Sammataw village. The attack resulted in serious injuries to both victims, though their conditions are not life-threatening.
The seven-year-old girl, Ma Linn Let Mon, sustained a penetrating wound to her left thigh, while 33-year-old Ko Aung Nyo suffered a similar injury to his right thigh. Local sources confirmed that while both victims’ injuries are severe, they are not in critical condition. Sammataw village is located along the Chindwin River and is situated just over 5 miles from the Northwest Military Command headquarters in Monywa.
Local residents have pointed out that such artillery attacks on civilian settlements constitute violations of international humanitarian law and pose serious threats to the safety and security of innocent civilians. They particularly emphasized the need to stop such attacks that harm vulnerable populations, including children. The incident has raised concerns about the ongoing use of heavy weapons in civilian areas and its impact on local communities. The proximity of the village to the military command center, being just over 5 miles away, has also raised questions about the deliberate nature of such attacks on civilian populations.
