The Mobye People’s Defense Force has confirmed that a civilian in his twenties was killed when the military council forces fired artillery into Mobye town in Southern Shan State. The incident occurred around 2:30 PM on May 30, when the military indiscriminately fired heavy weapons into the town area, resulting in the death of a civilian who was struck by shrapnel. In response to the incident, the Mobye People’s Defense Force has issued a warning to local residents, advising them to avoid traveling through Mobye town unless absolutely necessary.
Meanwhile, thousands of residents from more than eight villages in Sagaing Township, Sagaing Region, have been forced to flee to safety. The military council forces have launched operations in Nyaungkone, Thalunphyu, Kywalyu, Daungma, Sinmye, Matupine, Thadun, and Konetanlay villages, reportedly using civilians as human shields. According to a spokesperson from the People’s Defense Force, the military is actively pursuing and arresting civilians in these areas, forcing local residents to evacuate their homes and seek refuge in safer locations.
The military column operating in Sagaing Township includes forces from the Shwezigon Pagoda base in Sagaing, troops from Division 33, Pyu Saw Htee members, and pro-military militia members. Local sources report that between 200 to 300 residents from each village have been displaced, bringing the total number of displaced persons to thousands. The civilians are fleeing in fear as the military is known to use local residents as human shields during their operations, a tactic that has become increasingly common in their offensive campaigns. The situation continues to deteriorate as more residents are forced to abandon their homes and communities to escape the military’s advancing forces.
