June 22, 2024
Yesterday morning, around 9:30 AM, an artillery shell fired by the military junta exploded in a field in Thalin Village, Gangaw Township, Magway Region, resulting in the death of one child and severe injuries to two others.
The shell, which had been fired by the military in previous days, was discovered by the children in the field. It exploded as they attempted to collect it, killing an 11-year-old child instantly and seriously injuring another 11-year-old and a 14-year-old child.
Local sources report that the 50th Light Infantry Battalion (LIB) based in Gangaw has been conducting daily shelling with artillery and small arms in nearby villages despite no active combat occurring. On May 26, a similar incident occurred when an artillery shell struck Aung Myin Village, killing three civilians.
The junta’s forces not only engage in daily shelling but also have planted landmines around villages, creating significant risks for civilians. The Gangaw District People’s Administration has issued warnings about the dangers posed by unexploded ordnance and landmines in the area.
The local authorities and community leaders are urging residents to exercise extreme caution and avoid unfamiliar objects that may be explosive. The recent incidents highlight the ongoing threat to civilian lives and the need for immediate attention and action to protect vulnerable populations in conflict zones.
