On April 17, the first day of Myanmar New Year, the military council conducted an airstrike on Kan Ni and Thayet Taw villages near Kyaindaw town in Kawkareik Township, Karen State, resulting in the death of one civilian, according to local sources and military news sources. The attack occurred around 8 AM, targeting the villages located across the Gyaing River. The strike killed a three-wheeled motorcycle driver from Thayet Taw village and injured two children.
According to local residents, there were no active battles in the area, nor were there any People’s Defense Force (PDF) or Mon armed group presence in the region. Currently, hundreds of military troops are being deployed to the Kyaindaw area from Hpa-an, while three naval vessels are stationed at the confluence of the Gyaing, Attaran, and Haungtharaw rivers to reinforce military presence. Additionally, heavy artillery fire has been reported along the Kyaindaw-Kawkareik road section.
Military news sources reported that since the evening of April 16, approximately 200 soldiers had arrived at the Gyaing Bridge and Kyar Lay area from Hpa-an and were advancing toward Kyaindaw. Three military vessels have been positioned at the mouth of the Gyaing River, and military checkpoints along the Kyaindaw-Kawkareik road have been relocated. During the Thingyan festival period, military council attacks on Kyaindaw town and surrounding villages, including artillery strikes, drone bombings, and airstrikes, have resulted in approximately 15 civilian casualties and injuries to more than 30 people, including 10 Buddhist monks, according to local residents.
