July 23, 2024

Intense airstrikes and artillery shelling by junta forces have led to the deaths of 15 civilians and injuries to 5 others in Kyaukme and Naung Cho in northern Shan State between July 19 and July 22, according to recent reports.

On July 19, an artillery shell hit a location in Kyaukme, near Ingyin Hill, killing 5 civilians and damaging six houses and a school. Additionally, on July 21, further shelling in Nam Tum and Ward 8 in Kyaukme resulted in the death of one woman and serious injuries to another man and two women, as stated by the TNLA.

Furthermore, on July 20, four local residents riding two motorcycles were shot dead by junta soldiers at a checkpoint without prior interrogation. Their bodies were left abandoned by the roadside.

Similarly, on July 22, two children and a woman were seriously injured by artillery fire from the junta in Naung Cho, near Shwepyi Nyan Road. Additionally, shelling in Namtun Kone and Kankyi villages resulted in the deaths of three civilians and damage to three houses.

From June 25 to July 22, the ongoing conflict has resulted in the deaths of 109 civilians and injuries to 136 due to continuous airstrikes and artillery shelling by junta forces, as reported by the Shan Human Rights Foundation.

Photo: PSLF/TNLA