A landmine planted by junta troops exploded in Taung Hpi Lar Ward of Area 9 in Kale, Sagaing Region, on the morning of 16 April 2025, instantly killing two children aged 5 and 3, according to residents.
A Kale resident said: “In the area called Nay Pyi Taw, near the government staff housing, a landmine set by the junta soldiers exploded while children were playing with it. Two young children died instantly. After the explosion, junta troops were seen scrambling in the area.”
In the western part of Taung Hpi Lar Ward, there is a row of Nay Pyi Taw government staff housing.
Since the military coup, the junta troops have established a presence there and routinely planted landmines in the surrounding areas, according to residents.
The two children killed in the landmine explosion were siblings, residents reported.
In Kale Township, junta troops regularly patrol with armored vehicles along Bo Gyoke Road, the Kale-Tedim-Falam road, the Nursing School area, the Kale-Kalewa road, and the Kale-Gangaw road, conducting strict security checks, according to residents.
The military junta cut off communication lines, including phone and internet Wi-Fi services, in Kale Township starting on 11 April for four days, before restoring them on 15 April, locals reported.