The Karen National Union (KNU) Central has reported that one civilian was killed and seven houses were destroyed due to airstrikes and heavy artillery attacks by the military council forces in Kyaukkyi and Mu Townships within KNU territory. On April 18 at 9:06 AM, the military council’s Infantry Battalion 264 fired two 120mm artillery shells into Yetwinkone village in the KNU-Lay Do Township administrative area. The attack resulted in the death of 43-year-old Saw Myo Thant and damaged six houses, two motorcycles, and one light truck.
On the same day at 9:05 AM, the military council’s air force conducted an airstrike near Nawgaw village using a fighter jet, killing one pig and injuring two cattle. Earlier, on April 16 at 8:30 AM, the military council’s Light Infantry Battalion 351 in KNU-Mu Township fired an artillery shell into Htunikon village, destroying one house. These attacks demonstrate the military council’s continued use of heavy weapons against civilian areas.
The KNU Central has stated that due to these violent acts by the military council forces, innocent civilians in the Klerwehtoo District are suffering significant losses to their homes and properties, while living in constant fear and anxiety. The military council forces are deliberately targeting civilian areas with heavy artillery, showing complete disregard for civilian lives and property, and committing war crimes in these areas. The ongoing attacks have created an atmosphere of terror among local residents who must face each day with significant concerns for their safety and security.
