On May 5, KNU sources confirmed that the terrorist military conducted airstrikes and artillery attacks in Thaton, Bilin, and Hpa-an townships in Karen State. These attacks resulted in damage to civilian villages, a sub-township hospital, and monasteries. On May 4, the military conducted an airstrike on a sub-township hospital in Phalan Taung village, Hpa-an Township, within KNU Brigade 1 controlled territory. While the hospital building was damaged, no casualties were reported.
Also on May 4, the military council’s Artillery Unit 310 launched artillery strikes and conducted aerial bombardment on Mikhaung Ain village in the Shwe Yaung Pya village tract, Bilin Township, within KNU Brigade 1 territory. The attacks destroyed a monastery in the village and damaged local residents’ rubber plantations. Similarly, on the evening of May 4, the military council’s Infantry Battalion 206 fired artillery shells that landed near Kyun Mein village in the Kawthlaing village tract of Thaton Township, though no casualties were reported from this incident.
The KNU source warned that local residents need to remain especially vigilant as the military is currently focusing its offensive operations on KNU Brigade 1 territory. The military council’s offensive operations have resulted in the destruction of civilian lives and property, while also creating significant security risks for local residents. These attacks demonstrate the military’s continued use of disproportionate force against civilian targets, including essential infrastructure like hospitals and religious buildings.
