The terrorist military council launched artillery attacks on the Pa-O National Liberation Organization (PNLO) headquarters after extending the ceasefire for a second time, resulting in damage to civilian homes, according to PNLA Information Officer Khun Rain Yan. On April 22, between 8 AM and 11 AM, despite no ongoing battles or military activities, the military council and its subordinate PNO militia forces stationed at the monastery in Lwei Chet village and Naung Kyaw village in Maukmai Township fired howitzer artillery at least 10 times at villages in the PNLO headquarters area and Naung Htaung village, causing damage to civilian residences.
Although the military council announced a second seven-day ceasefire extension from April 23 to April 30, their continued artillery attacks on the PNLO headquarters area demonstrate their lack of genuine commitment to peace. Previously, they had also attacked the PNLO headquarters area using both heavy weapons and fighter jets. The military council’s offensive operations even during the time when people are suffering from earthquake damage shows their lack of empathy for civilians. The military council continues to reinforce troops, launch offensives, and conduct airstrikes in areas under TNLA control, even in locations where there is no active fighting.
Similarly, in northern Shan State, the military conducted an airstrike on Um Ti village in Naung Cho Township, which is controlled by the TNLA, on April 22, destroying five homes. Additionally, on April 21, they used 15 chemical bombs during fighting near military outpost 902 in Taung Kham, Naung Cho Township, resulting in injuries to 10 TNLA soldiers, with three suffering severe injuries. The soldiers affected by the chemical weapons required medical treatment after experiencing symptoms including dizziness, rapid breathing, nausea, agitation, and oxygen deficiency. These actions by the military council, including attacks during declared ceasefires and the use of chemical weapons, demonstrate their continued aggression against ethnic armed organizations and civilian populations, despite their public claims of seeking peace and stability in the region.
