Over 2,000 residents flee fighting in Kayin State’s Kyonedoe Twsp

By DMG 07 Sep 2022

DMG Newsroom
7 September 2022, Kyonedoe, Kayin State

Almost all residents of Taungkyarinn village in Kayin State’s Kyonedoe Township fled to safer locations after artillery shells landed and exploded in the village on September 6.

More than 2,000 people fled to nearby forests when a 50-strong military contingent entered Taungkyarinn and Mraukkyarinn villages in Kyonedoe Township, opening heavy weapons into the villages, locals said.

A Buddhist monk and a local man were wounded by shrapnel after an artillery shell landed and exploded in the compound of a monastery in Taungkyarinn village, said a health worker who helps the internally displaced people (IDPs).

“A Buddhist monk and a 39-year-old man were injured by shrapnel and they are currently being treated,” the health worker added.

At least five homes in Taungkyarinn village were destroyed by the artillery shelling, according to local people.

“A home in front of my residence and a youth hall were destroyed by the shelling. Some homes in the village were also destroyed by the artillery shelling,” said a resident of Taungkyarinn village.

DMG’s calls to Major-General Zaw Min Tun, a spokesman for the regime, concerning the locals’ allegations of the junta shelling went unanswered on Wednesday.

Military tensions are reportedly escalating between regime troops and KNLA coalition forces near Mraukkyarinn village.