Mya Htwe, Arakan News Network, 31 October 2024
Artillery firefrom military units in Ann Town, Arakan State, killed more than 10 civiliansand wounded over 20 others.
Early reports byArakan News Network confirmed that the dead included Ko Aung Aung, a16-year-old recent high school graduate, along with teacher Daw Hla Hla, U TunTun, and his son, all from Lay Yin Kwin area in Ann Town.
A local womantold Arakan News Network that around 2:30 pm on October 29, military unitsfired shells, with two hitting the town and causing widespread deaths andinjuries.
"Yesterday afternoon,military shelling killed both kids and grown-ups. Some lost their legs, otherstheir lower bodies before dying. At least 20 people died, including a studentand teacher who bled out after losing their legs," she reported.
Locals said oneshell hit Lay Yin Kwin area in Ann Town, while another exploded by the stream.Some victims were displaced people.
"Peoplefleeing fighting north of Ann to the town were killed when a shell landed bythe stream as they escaped with their things," a resident explained.
Another localwoman told Arakan News Network that Ann Town's main hospital couldn't treat thewounded, forcing them to seek care in Magway Region.
"There's noone to help the injured. The doctor said to go to Magway but refused to treatus. How can we when the road's closed? Some died from their wounds withouttimely treatment," she added.
Residents alsosaid more shells hit Myo Thit area and Ward 4 on the morning of October 30,causing more injuries.