The Karen National Union (KNU) has reported that the military council forces fired heavy artillery into Zeekon and Alugyi villages in Kyaikto Township, Mon State, resulting in injuries to two civilian women. On June 14th at 10:10 AM, the military council’s Infantry Division 44 headquarters and its subordinate Battalion 3 fired eight 120mm artillery shells into Zeekon village. Two of these shells exploded within the village, causing injury to 53-year-old Daw Aye San, who was struck by shell fragments. The attack also resulted in significant damage to the homes of U Phoe Pein and U Ko Oo.
Later that same day, at 5:03 PM, the military council’s Battalion 3 launched another artillery attack, firing two 120mm shells at Alugyi village. One of these shells exploded within the village, causing injury to 30-year-old Ma Wah Wah Oo, who was also struck by shell fragments. The KNU confirmed these incidents in their official statement. The military council forces, based in Kyaikto town, including Division 44 and its subordinate battalion camps, have been deliberately and repeatedly conducting artillery strikes on civilian-populated areas.
Furthermore, the KNU reported that the military forces have been conducting ground operations in the area, committing numerous human rights violations against local civilians. These deliberate attacks by the military council forces have resulted in the destruction of civilian property and created an atmosphere of fear and insecurity among local residents. The military council’s actions constitute war crimes against innocent civilians and violations of international law, as they continue to target civilian areas with heavy weapons and conduct operations that directly impact the safety and well-being of local communities.
