Regime artillery strikes kill two locals, injure two others in Paletwa

By Admin 04 Jan 2024

DMG Newsroom
4 January 2024, Paletwa, Chin State

Junta artillery strikes killed two locals and injured two others in Paletwa, Chin State, at about 7 p.m. on January 3, according to residents.

Ko Wai Lwin, a construction worker, was killed after a mortar shell landed and exploded near an India-funded jetty in Paletwa on Wednesday night. An artillery strike killed a 15-year-old student and wounded his parents in Yeikkha Ward in Paletwa at about 10 p.m. on January 3. DMG continues to attempt to ascertain the names and details of the other deceased and injured.

“An artillery strike killed two civilians and injured two others yesterday. Arrangements are being made to send the injured couple to Sittwe Hospital,” said a local man.

The Arakan Army (AA) has been attacking at least eight military camps in Paletwa Township since January 1 and fierce clashes have been reported as the military responded to the AA’s offensive with artillery attacks during the hostilities.

The military’s Paletwa-based Light Infantry Battalion No. 289 fired heavy weapons into residential areas continuously on Thursday. Thousands of locals have fled to safer locations in fear due to the possibility of fighting in the area, said another Paletwa resident.

“Junta soldiers will reportedly be stationed at an agricultural department office following the AA’s attack on LIB 289’s outpost. If the junta battalion tries to cover the town because it is not able to defend against AA’s attack, the locals may also suffer. Civilian casualties may rise,” the Paletwa resident added.

So far at least five people were killed and 18 others have been injured in Paletwa Township during the latest hostilities, according to a DMG tally.

Fighting between the military and AA has been intensifying in Paletwa Township since November 14.

The AA has seized a total of 21 military camps in Paletwa Township, including two tactical command outposts, during the latest hostilities.