At least two children were killed and seven injured by indiscriminate Myanmar junta shelling and an airstrike in two days in Ye-U and Taze townships in Sagaing Region.
A 17-year-old from Mue Thar Kone village in Ye-U Township died of injuries and two women were injured by junta shelling in three villages on Saturday, according to the People’s Defense Comrades.
“Junta forces fired at least 20 shells on Saturday after troops based in Ye-U left for Taze township on Friday,” a member of the group said.
Sources said the shells were fired by infantry based in Ye-U’s Traditional Medicine Hospital.
At least 3,000 southern Ye-U residents fled their homes on Monday after infantry from western Khin-U Township advanced into the area.
“More than six villages in Ye-U Township have emptied this morning and villagers from neighboring eastern Depayin Township are poised to flee their homes in advance,” the group’s representative said.
Around 100 Light Infantry Battalion 71 troops are heading to Se Gyi village from Mu Thar Kone village in the township, sources said.
Nearly 300 junta troops from Ye-U and Kantbalu townships were dispatched to Taze town on Saturday following resistance attacks on junta outposts.
Tensions are high in Taze town after resistance forces ambushed two junta outposts in the town, reportedly killing more than 20 troops.
Junta shelling also killed a five-year-old girl and wounded her father during a pre-dawn attack by Taze People Defense Force (PDF) in Taze town on Friday.
Another morning clash erupted with Taze PDF near Thae Kone village when around 40 junta troops from neighboring Kantbalu Township were deployed to Taze town.
Taze PDF said five junta troops were injured during the 20-minute skirmish.
The Irrawaddy could not verify the casualty figures.
In response to the attack, a Mi-35 combat helicopter opened fire on Thae Kone village on Friday, injuring four civilians, including a three-year-old girl and her mother.
Sources said junta troops are currently stationed at Shwe Daung Min gas station, the Myoma sports ground and Ingyin Pin monastery in Taze town.
“Nearly 30 people were arrested in two days after their outposts were ambushed by resistance forces on Friday,” a Taze resident said.