Junta shelling blamed for killing one, injuring six others in Ann Twsp village

By Admin 15 Nov 2023

DMG Newsroom
15 November 2023, Ann

A local man was killed and six others were injured after mortar shells landed and exploded in Kazikaing and Darletchaung village-tracts in Arakan State’s Ann Township on Tuesday.

The deceased has been identified as U Oo Saw Shwe, 75, from Thetkandaunt Village. The injured are a 1-year-old child, his parents U Hmwe Hmwe and Daw Wai Wai Kyaw, Ko Naing Naing Kyaw and two others from Alekyun Village.

Locals accused the military’s Light Infantry Battalion Nos. 371, 372 and 373, stationed on Mt. Tawhein in Kazukaing Village-tract, of firing mortar shells into the villages.

“They slept at home and there was no fighting in the area. The military fired artillery shells into the residential areas all night,” said a local resident in Darletchaung Village-tract.

The injured were sent to a rural healthcare centre. Ko Hmwe Hmwe and Ko Naing Naing Kyaw are said to be in critical condition.

The military fired heavy weapons from 5 p.m. on November 14 to 2 a.m. on November 15 without there being fighting in the area, according to locals.

DMG was unable to obtain comment from Arakan State Minister for Security and Border Affairs Colonel Kyaw Thura regarding the matter.

Residents of Alekyun Village began relocating to nearby villages as they were told to evacuate due to tensions between the Myanmar military and Arakan Army (AA) in the area.

“All residents in the village are currently fleeing to safer locations due to military tensions between the military and AA,” said an Alekyun Village resident.

Fighting between the military and AA has resumed in Arakan State since November 13. At least eight civilians were killed and more than 30 others were injured due to the military’s indiscriminate shelling and firing during the first two days of renewed hostilities.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has called on armed groups in Myanmar directly engaged in fighting not to target civilians.