June 30, 2024
Residents attempting to flee from Mogok town in Mandalay Region are being turned back at military checkpoints, forcing them to remain trapped in the town amid ongoing conflict.
Reports indicate that early this morning, a few vehicles with white flags managed to leave the town through the Kyauk Phya checkpoint. However, military forces soon ordered them to return, citing ongoing clashes. Some vehicles that left in the early hours managed to reach Lappanla successfully. One evacuation vehicle, carrying a mother and child, was hit by gunfire. While the mother sustained minor injuries, the child’s condition is critical and they have been taken to Zarapkwin Hospital.
Eyewitnesses reported heavy fighting along the Matayar road. One evacuee explained, “Those who left early managed to escape. For others, checkpoints demanded money, and those who left at 5 AM were turned back by the military, citing close-range fighting. The fighting is ongoing, and both sides are likely to exchange fire indiscriminately. We decided to return as it is unsafe for the elderly and children. We have no choice but to hide at home and listen to the sounds of gunfire and aircraft. Without proper shelters, there’s no real safety even if we hide.”
This morning, mortar shells hit residential areas such as Lutha and Bya Five Su, Shan Taung. In Lutha, two people were injured, and roofs of homes were damaged by shrapnel. In Bya Five Su Shan Taung, a 90-year-old man was killed by mortar shell fragments.
A local resident recounted, “The sound suddenly ceased, and those with heart conditions like the old man went to check. He had already passed away. Initially, we thought it was from shock, but we found a mortar fragment lodged in his ribs. We had to conduct his funeral quickly with just three or four people. There were three more injured yesterday.”
Currently, in Mogok town, a pack of dried noodles costs between 600 to 4,500 kyats, and a bag of rice costs around 12,000 kyats. Only one Mytel phone line is operational, while the other three are down. Internet Wi-Fi services are still functioning, but electricity is out in some areas.
The situation remains dire as the conflict continues to trap and endanger the residents of Mogok.
