Facing defeats, junta forces engage in deliberate attacks on civilians: NUG

 The National Unity Government (NUG) claimed that with the 'terrorist' military regime having been facing challenges on political, military and diplomatic fronts, they are engaging in brutal actions against the civilians.

U Kyaw Zaw, spokesperson of the NUG President's office, informed Narinjara News that the junta forces have been intentionally targeting civilian locations using airstrikes and artillery shells.

"As the revolutionary forces continue achieving success on the battlefields, the area under their control has been expanding. With the fall of tactical operation command bases, the soldiers now  rely on artillery shelling and airstrikes. There is evidence that the soldiers have been ruthlessly targeting the civilian population,” he added.

Kyaw Zaw warned that those who commit crimes, give orders and also obey diktats would be arrested and prosecuted accordingly. They will be prosecuted under the existing domestic laws. Moreover there are plans to pursue legal actions in the international courts, he added.

Justice may be delayed, but the perpetrators will be dealt with by the laws and they will be made accountable for their crimes, assured Kyaw Zaw.

"The other day, a school in Kanan village was bombed and a church was also destroyed. The bombs were dropped on the people's houses while they were worshiping. In Wuntho township, 19 civilians were arrested and brutally killed. These acts of violence are being perpetrated using  artillery shells and airstrikes. I want to assure that those who are involved with these crimes, including those giving the orders and those obeying them, will be apprehended and prosecuted at some points,” he added.

On 7 January, the soldiers  carried out airstrikes on Kanan village under  Tamu township of  Sagaing division.

On 9 January, the NUG stated that a devastating bomb attack was carried out on a village,  where the civilians gathered at a church for the Sunday prayer, where a number of people were killed and many injured.

At least  17 people including 9 children below 17 years have been killed and 19 others were injured.

Based on reliable information gathered by the NUG till 31 December 2023, no less than 627 children under the age of 18 and 1017 women were killed since the day the military brand led by Min Aung Hlaing attempted to seize power.

The statement also added that a total of 583 attacks were  carried out on the civilians by the airstrikes. These attacks resulted in the death of 897 civilians and destruction of 76 religious and 52 school buildings.