The Karen National Union (KNU) Central Committee has reported that the military council forces killed an innocent civilian in Win Wa village, Yayphyu Township, Tanintharyi Region. On August 3, two soldiers from Light Infantry Battalion 403 stationed at Win Wa military camp deserted their post. In response, military council forces raided Win Wa village around 10 PM to search for the deserters. During their search operation in the village, the military council soldiers shot and killed U Than Soe, a 58-year-old villager, without any provocation.
The two soldiers who escaped from Win Wa military camp surrendered with their weapons to the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) Brigade 4, Battalion 12, Company 2 on August 4. This incident reflects the ongoing pattern of soldier desertions from the military council forces due to their brutal practices. The military council’s violent actions against civilians have led to increasing numbers of soldiers choosing to desert their posts.
Meanwhile, in Seikphyu Township, Magway Region, military council troops stationed in Phu Lon village fired heavy artillery at nearby villages. The indiscriminate shelling began around 11 PM on August 4, forcing local residents to flee their homes for safety. They continue to remain displaced due to fears of further artillery attacks. According to a local resident, while there have been no civilian casualties reported so far, villagers were forced to evacuate during the night and remain displaced due to concerns about additional artillery shells potentially hitting their villages. The military council troops continue their pattern of indiscriminate attacks on civilian areas, causing widespread displacement and fear among local communities.
