Woman killed, 3 injured by artillery shells in Ann

A woman was killed in the gun battle that erupted in Ann township of Rakhine State on Sunday. Two other women with a man were also injured due to artillery shelling.

The deceased is identified as  Daw San Hla (53 years old) who hailed from Swae Chaung village under Ann township. The injured individuals include Maung Myint Zaw (19) and  Daw Ma Nyunt Oo (57) hailing from Mel Let Maung village.

A local resident reported that the artillery shell, fired by the Ann-based  373rd light infantry battalion, struck Mel Let Maung village at around 1 pm on 28 April. Two villagers namely  Maung Myint Zaw and Daw Ma Nyunt Oo were injured as their house collapsed.

"A column of junta soldiers  arrived at Mel Let Maung village. The battalions stationed in Ann constantly fired artillery shells. One of the shells hit Mel Let Maung village, causing injuries to Maung Myint Zaw and Daw Ma Nyunt Oo from shrapnel," added the resident.

An artillery shell fired by the junta forces on 26 April also fell on Swae Chaung village, where the Chin people live. It resulted in the death of one local woman and injury to another. Several houses were also destroyed by fire, said a displaced woman from Ah Lel Chaung village of  Ann.

"Around  80 houses  burned and there are only a few houses left in the village. One woman in the village died and another sustained injury,” added the woman.

Until 28 April, the Arakha Army (AA) fought against the junta soldiers near Chin villages and many residents of  Swae Chaung around Kazu Kaing village fled to safer places.

A Chin woman informed Narinjara News that the residents fled with only one piece of cloth and they now need support.

"Kazu Kaing village is very close to Swae Chaung village. The conflict spreads to the nearby areas. The fleeing junta soldiers are being pursued by the AA fighters. Many junta battalions are shelling over villages. The villagers are fleeing the conflict areas and they are now facing difficulties in their livelihood,” she added.

On 19 April, an artillery shell fired by the junta forces exploded over Kyat Yae San village under Ann township. It killed  a Chin man and injured a woman.

Residents of  Swae Chaung, Sin Oo Tike, Thel Kan Htaunt, Gyeik Chaung and Kyauk Sin villages are currently fleeing to safer places due to the ongoing conflicts.

The AA fighters have besieged the western command in Ann locality and start attacking with artillery shells and drones.