July 7, 2024
In the span of just 12 days, airstrikes and artillery shelling by the Myanmar military junta have resulted in the deaths of 44 civilians and injuries to 57 others across multiple townships in Ta’ang region, according to the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA).
The affected townships include Kyaukme, Naungcho, Thipaw, Mogok, Mongmit, and Lashio. Since the start of clashes on June 25 between the TNLA and junta forces, the junta’s relentless air and artillery attacks have led to significant civilian casualties. The breakdown of fatalities is as follows: Kyaukme reported 17 deaths, Naungcho 2, Mogok 5, Mongmit 1, and Lashio 15.
The injured civilians include 27 from Kyaukme, 1 from Naungcho, 4 from Mogok, 6 from Thipaw, and 13 from Lashio. Among these incidents, Naungcho saw two women fatally shot by junta forces.
Moreover, the assaults have damaged over 70 structures, including monasteries, schools, and homes. Approximately 30,000 residents have been displaced, seeking refuge in safer areas.
A particularly tragic incident occurred on July 6 in Lashio’s Ward 7, where three children were severely injured by artillery shells that struck the Sittithuka Monastery. On July 5, two civilians were killed by artillery in Kyaukme’s Ward 1, and an elderly woman was injured in Mongmit’s Ugyi Village due to shelling by junta forces.
On July 3, in Naungcho Township’s Nam Maw Village, a junta Y-12 aircraft dropped bombs, killing two men instantly and severely injuring another.
The TNLA condemned the military junta for deliberately targeting civilians during conflicts, labeling their actions as war crimes. They stated that such acts of targeting civilians with heavy artillery and airstrikes highlight the junta’s blatant violations of international humanitarian laws.
