The Karenni National Defense Force (KNDF) Central News and Information Department has confirmed that five civilians were killed when military council forces launched air and artillery attacks on Pekon Kawkhu village in Loikaw Township, Karenni State, without any ongoing fighting in the area. On April 4 at around 11:30 AM, Infantry Battalion 422 based in Moebye began shelling the village, killing one civilian. Later at around 2 PM, military council air force fighter jets dropped two bombs on the village, killing four more civilians and leaving others injured.
Military council forces continuously shelled Pekon Kawkhu village and its surrounding areas throughout the day without provocation, causing extensive damage to many houses in the village. KNDF officials stated that the exact extent of damage has not yet been assessed. Although the military council announced on April 2 that it would temporarily cease fire across the country during the natural disaster period, it has continued to conduct airstrikes in Karenni State.
Since the earthquake that struck Myanmar on March 28 until today, there have been three major military council air attacks within Karenni State, along with almost daily artillery shelling. The KNDF has specifically warned local civilians and revolutionary forces to remain vigilant about both military and natural disaster risks that could occur at any time. Officials have noted that the military council continues to shamelessly target civilians with airstrikes and has failed to comply with its own announced ceasefire declaration.
