Kyaikto, July (20)
Three civilians were shot dead by regime forces in the fighting that took place in KNU-controlled Kyaikto Township, and more than 3,000 local residents have fled their homes, according to the KNU-Thaton District.
Starting on July 14, a 150-strong junta column stormed Hngat Pyaw Taw and Ahlu villages in Kyaikto District, firing heavy weapons. More than 3,000 people in 699 households in the villages of Zeekon, Padauk Taw, Chan Myae, Hngat Pyaw Taw, Karawayseik and Shan Su have been forced to flee their homes.
The advanced junta column clashed with KNLA joint forces on July 16 and killed Maung Paing Chit Oo from Padauk Taw village and two vendors from Kyaikto for no reason, reported the KNU.
After shooting three civilians, the regime forces took away a motorcycle and burned a hijet car owned by a civilian.
On July 18, after the junta column retreated, they provided security on the Yangon-Mawlamyine highway, said Padoh Saw Aye Naing, the secretary of KNU-Thaton.
The regime forces that shot the civilians were reportedly from the battalions under Kyaikto-based Division 44.
Since the end of last year, the junta army has stopped invading Kyaikto Township, the stronghold of the revolutionary forces, and now they have resumed their round of raids.
News – Than Lwin Times
Photo: KNU
Thanlwintimes