Minor killed by artillery shelling in Ann township

A 10-year-old boy was killed by an artillery shell fired by the junta forces in Ann township of Rakhine State.

The victim has been identified as  Maung San Lin Tun, son of U Aung Than Chey from Kyaung Phyu Kwin village.

"There has been a clash near the 373rd light infantry battalion and artillery shells continued to be fired. One of the shells fell into the village and hit the boy with shrapnel. He died immediately," said a villager.

The 373rd battalion has reportedly been firing artillery shells toward Kyaung Phyu Kwin village since 9 am on 9 April.

An Ann resident told Narinjara News that the situation in the township remains tense as the junta soldiers continued firing artillery shells and also conducting airstrikes.

"The junta forces conduct daily airstrikes on Ann locality using Mi-35s and also fire artillery shells from the one-mile hill. When the battalions based in Ann are not engaged in clashes, they unilaterally fire artillery shells," added the resident.

In April, the clashes between the junta soldiers and Arakan Army fighters took place in Ann township around Kazu Kaing Taw Hein Taung tactical operation command, Pyaung Thay village near Nat Taung and adjacent to the 373rd battalion.

The humanitarian and development coordination office (HDCO) of the ULA/AA announced on 4 April that 179 civilians were killed in four months from 13 November to 21 March due to conflict in Rakhine State.