- Web Master
- September 16, 2024
A woman was killed in the gun battle that erupted in
Ann township of Rakhine State on Sunday. Two other women with a man were also
injured due to artillery shelling.
The deceased is identified as Daw San Hla (53
years old) who hailed from Swae Chaung village under Ann township. The injured
individuals include Maung Myint Zaw (19) and Daw Ma Nyunt Oo (57) hailing
from Mel Let Maung village.
A local resident reported that the artillery shell,
fired by the Ann-based 373rd light infantry battalion, struck Mel Let
Maung village at around 1 pm on 28 April. Two villagers namely Maung
Myint Zaw and Daw Ma Nyunt Oo were injured as their house collapsed.
"A column of junta soldiers arrived at Mel
Let Maung village. The battalions stationed in Ann constantly fired artillery
shells. One of the shells hit Mel Let Maung village, causing injuries to Maung
Myint Zaw and Daw Ma Nyunt Oo from shrapnel," added the resident.
An artillery shell fired by the junta forces on 26
April also fell on Swae Chaung village, where the Chin people live. It resulted
in the death of one local woman and injury to another. Several houses were also
destroyed by fire, said a displaced woman from Ah Lel Chaung village of
Ann.
"Around 80 houses burned and there
are only a few houses left in the village. One woman in the village died and
another sustained injury,” added the woman.
Until 28 April, the Arakha Army (AA) fought against
the junta soldiers near Chin villages and many residents of Swae Chaung
around Kazu Kaing village fled to safer places.
A Chin woman informed Narinjara News that the
residents fled with only one piece of cloth and they now need support.
"Kazu Kaing village is very close to Swae Chaung
village. The conflict spreads to the nearby areas. The fleeing junta soldiers
are being pursued by the AA fighters. Many junta battalions are shelling over
villages. The villagers are fleeing the conflict areas and they are now facing
difficulties in their livelihood,” she added.
On 19 April, an artillery shell fired by the junta
forces exploded over Kyat Yae San village under Ann township. It killed a
Chin man and injured a woman.
Residents of Swae Chaung, Sin Oo Tike, Thel Kan
Htaunt, Gyeik Chaung and Kyauk Sin villages are currently fleeing to safer
places due to the ongoing conflicts.
The AA fighters have besieged the western command in
Ann locality and start attacking with artillery shells and drones.