Military airstrikes in Letmeikna, displaced persons barred from entering

As fighting intensifies in Letmeikna Township, Ayeyarwaddy Region, forcing residents to flee to safety, military airstrikes have occurred, resulting in casualties among the displaced. Furthermore, the displaced are facing restrictions from the military, barring them from being accepted. In the morning of September 21, the military launched airstrikes on Daung Gyi village in Letmeikna Township, resulting in the death of one displaced woman and injuries to one displaced man, according to sources. "Although the revolutionary forces have areas of control in Letmeikna, there are no established bases. The bombing is occurring around Pantagyi," a source told the Ayeyarwaddy Times. Sources indicate that the military is reinforcing its forces and conducting continuous airstrikes to regain control of areas in Letmeikna Township that it had previously lost. Additionally, it has been learned from the Special Reporting Team of Pathein that military administrative bodies and officials are pressuring and prohibiting the acceptance of displaced persons who are attempting to seek refuge in villages on the eastern side of Kwin Kaung due to the fighting within Letmeikna Township. Currently, these displaced persons are gathered and taking shelter within the compound of the Jade Buddha Pagoda on the southern bank of Kwin Kaung. Previously, they were housed at the Myat Dhamma Yaung Chi location, but they were relocated due to overcrowding. However, they are living with numerous difficulties, including inadequate shelter, at this camp. In addition to being gathered at the Jade Buddha Pagoda compound, military camps and police stations are located in the vicinity, and military aircraft are flying low over the area, causing the displaced persons to be extremely fearful of further airstrikes. Some local residents speculate that the military may be using the local population as human shields for military protection. It is believed that the act of barring displaced persons from entering the town and concentrating them in areas close to military operations is due to instructions from higher authorities. To date, no aid has been provided, and they are struggling with mutual assistance among themselves. Photo: Social media, Special Reporting Team of Pathein The post Military airstrikes in Letmeikna, displaced persons barred from entering appeared first on Ayeyarwaddy Times.