Three civilians, including a 10-year-old child, were killed by Burma army shelling in Pyin Khon Lay village of northern Kalay Township in Sagaing Region, according to local sources.
On 16 March, a combined force of People’s Defense Forces attacked the base of the Pyusawhtee People’s Militia Force (Pyusawhtee PMF) in Kyaung Taik village in northern Kalay Township.
In response, Burma army soldiers based in Kalay town launched airstrikes and artillery attacks to support of the Pyusawhtee PMF. Some shells landed in Pyin Khon Lay village, killing three civilians.
“The artillery shelling killed three people in Pyin Khon Lay village. Another villager is still missing, and may be dead. Some villagers suffered serious injuries. The Burma army’s combat helicopter attacked the village three times, following the clash. They also attacked the village with artillery since early morning. They are so brutal,” a PDF soldier told Khonumthung News.
Pyin Khon Lay village is situated approximately five miles from Kalay town. Chin ethnic people are living in Pyin Khon Lay.
Zofa Journal reported that the shelling in Kalay Township killed 10-year-old Angel Vanrempuii, 32-year-old Pi Edenthari, and 62-year-old Pi Lalfamkimi. The shelling injured at least five civilians, including a child.
Burma army attacked civilian villages with artillery from Kalay town. Burma army’s Mi-35 combat helicopter also bombarded civilian villages in the area on March 16.
“Today’s airstrike was so intense. The junta attacked civilian villages with a Mi-35 helicopter today,” a local man, who lives in Kalay town, told Khonumthung News.
In recent days, Burma army airstrikes and artillery attacks have damaged civilian houses in Pyin Khon Lay, Nat Gyi Kon, Nam Chaung and Letpan Chaung villages of northern Kalay Township.
On 14 March, Burma army shells landed in Letpan Chaung village killing two civilians and injuring at least five others.
Military tensions remain high between PDF and Burma army soldiers in northern Kalay Township.