Junta shelling blamed for killing five, injuring four in Buthidaung Twsp village

By Admin 29 Dec 2023

DMG Newsroom
29 December 2023, Buthidaung

Five Muslims were killed and four others were injured after artillery shells fired by the military landed and exploded in Ceditaung Village, part of Arakan State’s Buthidaung Township, on December 28.

The deceased have been identified as U Zarfot, 60, Ko Mamouk Tarmi, 25, Maung Swetarmi, 18, Ma Argita, 14, and a fifth, unidentified victim. The injured have been identified as Ma Margyitar, 10, Maung Rawphi, 7, Maung Tawha, 15, and a fourth individual whose name was also not known at press time.

An artillery shell fired by the military’s Light Infantry Battalion No. 209, stationed on 31 Common Pagoda near Sangotaung Village in Buthidaung Township, landed in Ceditaung Village, according to a local resident.

“A mortar shell fired by the military hit a home in the village, reducing the home to ashes. Family members were killed and some were injured,” the local resident added.

Some of the injured are said to be in critical condition and were reportedly transferred to Buthidaung Hospital.

Three local people — two women and a 13-year-old student — in Ceditaung (Arakan) Village were reportedly injured in a junta artillery strike on the morning of December 27.

Some residents in the two Ceditaung villages have fled to safer locations due to the junta’s indiscriminate shelling.

“Civilian casualties were reported due to the junta’s artillery strikes on the village. Some residents feel insecure and are worried about the junta’s shelling,” said a local woman.

Civilian casualties continue to rise in Arakan State, inflicted mostly by regime air and artillery strikes since renewed fighting broke out on November 13.

The laws of war stipulate that no targeted attacks should be made on civilians, and that no targeted attacks be made on civilian property, housing structures, or crowded areas.