Local residents reported that one monk has passed away and five civilians were injured when the military launched an artillery attack on Puppa Monastery, where internally displaced persons (IDPs) were taking shelter in Naung Pein village, Kyaukme Township, Shan State. The military began firing heavy weapons into Naung Pein village around 2:40 PM on July 30. The deceased monk and injured civilians were identified as IDPs who had fled from Naung Cho town.
The artillery shells fired by the military forces struck the Puppa Monastery where IDPs were sheltering, causing significant damage to the monastery buildings. According to a local resident, the artillery fire came from military forces near Naung Cho. Previously, there had been negotiations between the military and the SSPP (Shan State Progress Party), resulting in an agreement to cease firing into the village. Due to this agreement, IDPs had begun returning to the village in the morning. However, the military proceeded to fire approximately nine artillery rounds in succession. The first shell landed near the hospital, while the second struck the Puppa Monastery where IDPs were taking shelter.
Similarly, the military had also launched artillery attacks on Naung Pein village on July 26 and July 28, resulting in the death of one IDP from shrapnel wounds. These deliberate targeting of civilian areas by the military has not only resulted in civilian and monastic casualties but has also caused destruction to religious buildings. The ongoing attacks demonstrate a pattern of military aggression against civilian targets, including religious structures and displaced persons seeking refuge from conflict.
