September 23, 2024

Villages near Mandalay, located in the Myittha Township area, have been struck by artillery shelling from the Myanmar military over the past two days, resulting in the deaths of seven civilians, including a child, according to local sources.

The Myanmar military targeted Thonsepe village, which is only a few miles away from Mandalay city, with artillery fire as part of an offensive. Thonsepe village is situated across from the Mingun area. The shells also hit neighboring villages, such as Sulei Hill and New Village.

On September 21, shells hit a home in Sulei Hill village, killing four family members instantly. A day earlier, on September 20, another shell struck a home in New Village, resulting in the deaths of three people.

The military has deployed a force of hundreds of soldiers to capture Thonsepe village, where People’s Defense Forces (PDF) are active. Reports of shelling and gunfire could still be heard as of the morning of September 23.

“Thonsepe has been taken over by the military since yesterday morning. They fired from the air and with artillery. Houses said to be connected to the PDFs were set on fire. The monastery and school were also destroyed. Most people have fled, so it’s unclear how many remained or the extent of the damage,” a local villager who fled the area told New Day Myanmar.

Neither the Mandalay PDF nor the junta has officially released statements regarding the ongoing conflict in Myittha Township.