The information officer of the People’s Defense Force in Pauk Township has confirmed that four people, including two PDF members, one teacher, and a 13-year-old child, were killed due to deliberate attacks by the military forces in Magway Region’s Pauk Township without any ongoing battles. On March 31st at 2:40 PM, Military Unit 24 based in Pauk Township fired four 81mm artillery shells that landed and exploded in Palaung village, resulting in the death of 13-year-old Ma Eikari who was hit in the abdomen by shrapnel.
Additionally, on March 30th, military snipers targeted and killed two PDF members and a teacher in Pauk Township. The military council has continued its attacks on civilians even after the earthquake that struck on March 28th, demonstrating what the PDF information officer described as inhumane acts of violence. The military has been repeatedly conducting airstrikes and drone attacks in the township, deliberately targeting civilian areas to instill fear among the local population, committing what amounts to war crimes according to local sources.
The military’s actions in Pauk Township have included deliberate targeting of civilians not only during active conflicts but also during natural disasters, using aircraft and drones for repeated attacks. While these brutal actions have caused fear among local residents, they have primarily resulted in growing hatred toward the military forces. Meanwhile, in Sagaing Region’s Budalin Township, local residents have been forced to flee their homes due to large-scale military operations in the area. The military’s continued aggression against civilians, even during times of natural disasters, demonstrates their disregard for human rights and civilian safety, according to local defense force representatives.
