Myanmar junta vessel shells two villages in Phaungbyin, injuring one resident

Mizzima A Myanmar junta vessel shelled two villages in Phaungbyin Township, Mawlaik District, upper Sagaing Region on 26 July, injuring one resident, according to local sources. Tharaung Model village and Letpanthar village were targeted, with the one injury occurring in Letpanthar village, according to an official from the Mawlaik District Phaungbyin Township People’s Defense Organization (PDO). “There were no casualties in Tharaung Model Village. However, a house caught fire due to indiscriminate heavy weapon shelling from the military vessel. Local residents and defense forces managed to extinguish the fire in time,” the official said. Around five houses and several monasteries also sustained minor damage. The attack occurred after a convoy of vessels sailing down from Homalin arrived in Phaungbyin on 25 July. Letpanthar and Tharaung villages are adjacent to each other. “We received reports that the warships will head back upstream toward Homalin to escort the remaining vessels there. However, they have not departed yet today. Residents are still seeking refuge in safe areas,” the Phaungbyin Township PDO official said this evening. Locals said the junta also used an Mi-35 helicopter to carry out airstrikes on Tharaung Model village, in addition to the artillery shelling. Revolutionary groups have urged residents along the Chindwin River to temporarily evacuate to avoid indiscriminate attacks. Local villagers are currently fleeing as the junta vessel remains docked in Phaungbyin. The post Myanmar junta vessel shells two villages in Phaungbyin, injuring one resident appeared first on ENG.MIZZIMA.COM.