Dozens of junta soldiers killed in artillery shell misfire in Thandwe

By Admin 07 May 2024

DMG Newsroom
7 May 2024, Thandwe

At least 37 junta soldiers were killed and seven others were injured in an artillery shell explosion at a junta hilltop outpost on Badaung Hill near Thandwe Town, Arakan State, on Monday, according to a reliable source.

Casualties were reported after the junta outpost near the entry checkpoint east of Thandwe fired four shells on Monday afternoon, and the last shell exploded inside the outpost.

“Dozens of junta soldiers were killed and many others were injured in an artillery explosion. I don’t know where the injured are being treated. There are rumours that junta soldiers are being treated at Thandwe Hospital,” a local source said.

The artillery explosion caused a fire at the junta hilltop outpost, locals said. DMG phoned junta spokesman Maj-Gen Zaw Min Tun regarding the matter, but he could not be reached.

There was no fighting in Thandwe Township on Monday, but junta positions near the entry checkpoint of Thandwe fired shells at mountains near Shwehlay Village, said residents.

“The junta troops have been firing mortar shells into the hills since the fighting in Thandwe Township. An explosion occurred when the junta soldiers fired artillery shells into the hills near Shwehlay Village,” said a resident in Thandwe.

Fighting has been raging in Thandwe Township since April 13, and the conflict zone continues to expand. The fighting has forced residents from more than 10 villages to flee their homes in Thandwe Township.