The Karen National Union (KNU) Central Committee has reported that five civilians were injured and a monastery and houses were damaged when the military council forces, who had declared a temporary ceasefire, fired artillery shells at villages in Shwegyin and Mone townships in Bago Region. Despite the announced temporary ceasefire, the military council continues to conduct attacks causing civilian casualties and destruction of property.
According to the report, on April 5 at around 3:52 PM, Infantry Battalion 264 of the military council fired three howitzer shells that landed in Wine Pyin Yay village in Shwegyin Township. The attack resulted in injuries to four civilians – Ko Nay Lin Soe, Ma Yadana, Ko Than Min Soe, and Ko That Nay Win – and caused damage to the Nyaung Tha Ya monastery. Additionally, on April 4 at approximately 11:24 AM, Infantry Battalion 351 fired five artillery shells in Mone Township that struck Padakun area where internally displaced persons were taking shelter, injuring Naw Paw Tha War from Karen Myat Yay village.
Furthermore, on April 3 at around 3:30 PM, Infantry Battalion 73 fired a 120mm artillery shell that landed in Kyauk Gyi Pauk village, destroying one house. The KNU Central Committee stated that despite the military council’s announcement of a temporary ceasefire, they continue to carry out attacks using artillery, drones, and aircraft bombardments without interruption. These ongoing attacks have resulted in civilian casualties and deaths, forcing people to live in fear and anxiety. The military council’s actions demonstrate a clear pattern of violence against civilians, contradicting their own declared ceasefire and causing continued suffering among the local population who are trying to survive amid the conflict.
