Regime troops go on shooting spree in Mrauk-U town

By Admin 04 Dec 2023

DMG Newsroom
4 December 2023, Mrauk-U

Junta troops fired indiscriminately during a three-hour shooting spree through the ancient city of Mrauk-U in Arakan State on Monday, according to local residents.

About 70 junta troops fired at least 50 gunshots in several wards starting from 12 noon, said residents.

“They were on foot, and fired shots into the air in different locations. Local residents have concerns as they fired shots in the town for no reason. They are deliberately instilling fear in local people,” said a Mrauk-U resident.

Shops at the central market and elsewhere in the town closed as junta soldiers unleashed bursts of gunfire. Streets were deserted as residents hid to avoid being hit by stray bullets.

Two residents were killed and three others injured in Mrauk-U town on November 13, when junta soldiers similarly fired shots at random.

On Sunday evening, Light Infantry Battalion No. 540 based in Mrauk-U fired several rounds of artillery, with five unexploded shells landing near Myo Ugaung displacement camp, Alodawpyae Monastery, Alelzay Ward and Shwe Kyar Thein Monastery, according to residents.

A woman from Alelzay Ward said: “They are firing deliberately. Artillery shells have landed across the town, and I would say the regime is trying to kill the whole town.”

The Myanmar military and the AA have been fighting across several Arakan State townships, including Mrauk-U, and in neighbouring Chin State’s Paletwa Township, since fighting between the two armies resumed on November 13.