Civilians injured in shelling blocked at checkpoint, denied hospital access

By Myo Thiri Kyaw 13 Apr 2020

Myo Thiri Kyaw | DMG
April 13 Ann

One civilian was killed and three were injured by artillery fire on April 12 at Ah Lel Kyun village in Ann Township, Arakan State.

Maung Soe Soe was at home when the shelling took place at around 8 p.m., and the 18-year-old was killed in the blast.

U Than Aung, 52, who had sought cover in a bomb shelter close to his home, suffered severe neck injuries. Daw Tin Ma Win, 40, and 11-year-old Maung Myint Myat were also injured.

They were taken by boat from Ah Lel Kyun to Gyeik Chaung village and were intending to travel onward to the hospital in the town of Ann. However, at a checkpoint at Da Let Chaung they were stopped and prevented from continuing as they did not have permission to transport the injured patients, according to Ko Myo Lwin, who was assisting the wounded.

“There is a Tatmadaw checkpoint on the road. Only groups carrying injured people that have permission from the regional military commander and the state government are allowed to pass,” he said.

“Up until now we still haven’t been able to get them to hospital. They cannot receive medical treatment without this permission,” Ko Myo Lwin explained.

The injured people were forced to return to Gyeik Chaung village, an unnamed villager said.

According to residents, the sound of shells being fired could be heard on April 12 from the Tatmadaw tactical command located on a hill next to Da Let Chaung.

The Tatmadaw True News Information Team Secretary Brigadier-General Zaw Min Tun and the Western Regional Command spokesperson Colonel Win Zaw Oo were contacted concerning the shelling of Ah Lel Kyun village, but neither offered a response.