KARENNI STATE – Locals reported that the junta troops launched aerial bombing three times and also opened heavy artillery fire toward the Eastern Salween Region last Wednesday (June 14).
“The aerial bombings were launched around 7:00 p.m. when the jet fighters flew low over Hpasawng Town. The jets dropped bombs to the east of Salween at least three times. Explosions were heard but the targeted area was not known exactly,” said a local.
“The aftermath and causalities of the junta aerial bomb attacks is not known yet. But the locals closed shops and stores and relocated to safe places (such as monasteries and churches) the next morning (on June 15),” continued the local.
“The locals were concerned about their safety. They have never been this close to a warzone. Junta troops reportedly opened heavy artillery fire at the same time as the aerial raid. Some locals fled to monasteries and others stayed home. Locals stayed indoors and closed the shops as they were concerned about their safety,” said the local.
On June 14 afternoon, and also around 1 a.m. and 4 a.m. On June 15, there were junta heavy artillery fired from Hpasawng to the eastern Salween Region.
Currently, junta troops are appointed at the security gates and near Thanlwin Bridge and moreover, soldiers are also patrolling the town on bikes. There are two Infantry Battalions, IB-134, and IB-135 in town and it is not known which batallion opened heavy artillery fire on the previous day, stated the locals.