Locals from 11 villages in Mone Township flee shelling and drone attacks

Locals from 11 villages in Mu (Mone) Township in Nyaunglebin District of Bago Region have fled to safety due to the military council’s heavy shelling and drone attacks, according to the statement by the Karen National Union (Central) on 20 August.

The Internally Displaced People (IDPs) are from Naungbo, Lettetgyi, Ngatoekhin, Khinnaukmee, Yaypyar, Kyunkone, Thitphyuseik, Zalokegyi, Hlaydoe, Thanutkwin and Nyaungchayhtauk villages in Mu (Mone) Township.

On the morning of 19 August, Light Infantry Battalion (LIB)-307 from Tawkywein village, dropped bombs on Thitphyuseik village in Mu (Mone) Township, the statement said.

The military council’s bombs landed and exploded on the house of Ko Min Soe from Thitphyuseik village. At around 3 pm the same day, the LIB-439 fired 120-mm mortar bombs into Lettetgyi village. Two local women were wounded in the heavy shelling, some locals said.

A local from Yaypyar village said: “We have to take shelter here. I heard that two villagers were wounded in the shooting. We still remain here.”

Villagers have fled to the eastern bank of Sittaung River due to the military council’s shelling and drone attacks, he added.

Photo caption: The villagers who flee the military council’s shooting. (Photo-KNU/central)