Myanmar’s Turmoil: Civilian Casualties in Sagaing Region’s Military Shelling

Myanmar’s Turmoil: Civilian Casualties in Sagaing Region’s Military Shelling

Tragedy Strikes the Sagaing Region

In the Sagaing Region of Myanmar, a tragic event unfolded leading to the loss of innocent lives. Two children fell victim to the military junta shelling and an airstrike in Ye-U and Taze townships. A 17-year-old from Mue Thar Kone village in Ye-U Township succumbed to injuries sustained from the shelling. The same incident also injured two women. The junta forces reportedly fired at least 20 shells on Saturday. The alleged source of the shelling was the infantry based in Ye-U’s Traditional Medicine Hospital.

Mass Exodus from Southern Ye-U

About 3,000 residents of southern Ye-U were coerced to leave their homes on Monday as troops advanced into their area. Several villages in the Ye-U Township have been evacuated. Residents of the neighboring eastern Depayin Township are also preparing to abandon their homes. Reports suggest that around 100 troops are advancing towards Se Gyi village from Mu Thar Kone village in the township.

Escalating Tensions and Clashes in Taze

Taze town has been a hotbed of tension recently due to resistance attacks on junta outposts. Nearly 300 junta troops were dispatched to Taze town from Ye-U and Kantbalu townships following these attacks. A five-year-old girl reportedly lost her life, and her father was wounded during an attack by the Taze People Defense Force (PDF) on Friday. Another encounter with Taze PDF resulted in five junta troops being injured.

Retaliatory Attacks and Arrests

In response to these attacks, a combat helicopter fired on Thae Kone village, injuring four civilians, including a three-year-old girl and her mother. Reports state that junta troops are currently stationed at various locations in Taze town. Nearly 30 people have been arrested in two days following ambushes by resistance forces on junta outposts.

The Humanitarian Crisis in Myanmar

This escalating conflict in Myanmar’s Sagaing Region underscores the deepening humanitarian crisis in the country. Civilian casualties continue to grow, and thousands have been displaced, fleeing their homes in fear of their safety. The international community’s attention is needed to address these pressing issues and find a peaceful resolution to the conflict.