Woman killed, four injured in Minbya shooting-shelling

By Aung Htein 28 Feb 2020

Aung Htein | DMG
28 February, Minbya

One woman was killed and four people were injured in a shooting-shelling incident in Minbya town, Arakan State, after the Tatmadaw clashed with Arakan Army (AA) troops nearby, according to family members of the victims.
 
A military vessel sailing along the Lay Myo River to Rar Maung Bridge from Kyat Sin Bridge in Minbya Township opened fire on the town of the same name at about 3 a.m. on February 28, resulting in the death of one woman and injuries to four others, said U Ah Tun, the elder brother of the deceased.
 
“My younger sister died from shrapnel wounds while she was together with her children at her home when an artillery shell fired by the Tatmadaw’s navy ship hit a tree near the house,” he said.
 
The Arakan Army launched an attack on three Tatmadaw vessels fully equipped with weapons and ammunition near Kyat Sin Bridge at about 2 a.m. on February 28, said Khaing Thukha, spokesperson for the ethnic armed group.
 
“The Tatmadaw opened fire on Minbya town at about 3 a.m. as the military suffered heavy casualties within a short period of time in confrontation with the Arakan Army. One woman died and four others sustained injuries from gunfire,” he said.
 
The fatality was identified as 45-year-old Daw Than Nu Yay, while the injured people including a pregnant woman were identified as Ma Khin Than Htay, 18, U Kyaw Kyaw, 55, U Than Naing, 30, and U Aung Khaing Than, 25.

DMG attempted to contact Colonel Win Zaw Oo, spokesperson for the Tatmadaw’s Western Command, to seek confirmation of the accounts of the Arakan Army and local residents, but his mobile phone was switched off.
 
The body of Daw Than Nu Yay was sent to a local morgue for an autopsy, while the wounded were admitted to the hospital in Minbya. Of those injured, the expectant mother suffered severe injuries and is due to be transferred to Sittwe General Hospital.
 
U Hla Aung Nyunt, an Arakan State lawmaker for Minbya constituency, lamented Friday’s casualties.
 
“I feel unhappy about the incident. They [the Tatmadaw and Arakan Army] can fight against each other, but shouldn’t open fire on residential areas,” the MP said.
 
The number of civilians killed or injured in clashes between the Tatmadaw and Arakan Army in Arakan State over the past year has surpassed 130 fatalities and 300 wounded, according to the Arakan Students Union (Universities-Yangon).