In Hpakant Township, Kachin State, indiscriminate artillery fire from the military resulted in a tragic incident where a family was struck, leading to the death of a mother, the amputation of her daughter’s limb, and severe injuries to her husband who is currently receiving hospital treatment, according to local residents. The incident occurred around 8:50 PM on July 30, when military forces stationed at Lonkhin mining area fired heavy artillery that struck a house in Phyu Sin Quarter/Ka Mano Quarter. The explosion resulted in casualties among the three family members residing in the house, with one fatality reported.
The artillery strike killed 37-year-old Daw Htike Htike Win, while her 15-year-old daughter, Ma Zwun Yadi Htet, suffered severe injuries resulting in amputation, and her husband, Ko Nyein Chan Aung, is currently undergoing medical treatment for serious injuries, according to rescue workers. Local residents confirmed that the military fired artillery directly at civilian areas without any ongoing fighting in the vicinity. The attack was reportedly unprovoked and targeted at residential areas where civilians were present.
The military has been conducting frequent airstrikes, artillery bombardments, and drone attacks in the Hpakant region, with military operations continuing almost continuously for the past three months. These military activities have forced more than 5,000 civilians from at least 10 villages to flee their homes as internally displaced persons, while over 50 civilians have reportedly been killed by military forces. Local residents report that the situation in the region continues to deteriorate daily, with escalating violence against civilians by military forces. The humanitarian situation has become increasingly dire as military operations intensify, leading to growing concerns for civilian safety and well-being in the area.
