The Karen National Union (KNU) Mergui-Tavoy District has reported that the military council forces launched an artillery attack on the Panama Thawa Church in Duyin Pin Shaung village, Palaw Township, Tanintharyi Region. The attack occurred around 11 AM on June 4, when Battalion 285 based in Palaw fired a 120mm artillery shell at the area. The bombardment resulted in significant damage to the church building and its structures.
Simultaneously, in Thilin Township, Magway Region, military council forces’ artillery strikes wounded a civilian, according to a representative from the Thilin Township People’s Defense Force. On May 31, a joint force of military council troops and Pyu Saw Htee militia members established a position at the pagoda hill near Tharka village. From there, they conducted operations along both banks of the Kyi Stream, firing 81mm artillery shells indiscriminately into the area.
The artillery barrage resulted in one civilian sustaining injuries to their arm from artillery shell fragments. Approximately thirty shells were fired during the attack, with five landing within the village area. While there have been no reported fatalities so far, and no homes have been damaged, local defense forces have warned residents to remain vigilant against both airstrikes and artillery attacks, advising them to take shelter in bunkers. The People’s Defense Force representative emphasized the importance of civilians maintaining constant awareness of potential air and artillery threats and seeking protection in underground shelters.
