Drone and mortar shell attacks displace Katonzi villagers

Residents of Katonzi village in Kyaikmayaw Township, Mon State, and nearby areas are facing attacks from drones and mortar shells, forcing some locals to temporarily relocate for safety.

Junta forces stationed at the MCL Cement Plant near Katonzi village have reportedly been using drones to target nearby areas suspected of harboring resistance groups. As a result, drone strikes and mortar shell fire frequently land in and around the village.

“In the past few days, the military has been firing drones and mortar shells.

Sometimes they launch 12 or 13 shells at once, targeting areas where resistance forces may be. While civilians are not directly hit, the shells land near houses and around the village. People are scared,” said a Kyaikmayaw resident.

Fearing that shells could strike residential homes, many villagers have relocated to safer areas. Some have moved to nearby villages within Kyaikmayaw Township, while others have fled toward Mawlamyine.

“The military is stationed at the cement plant. From there, they fire drones and mortar shells toward the village. Most of the shells land near homes and around the area, so people are fleeing in fear. However, some cannot leave and remain in the village,” another local said.

As of today, junta troops remain stationed at the MCL Cement Plant and surrounding areas near Katonzi village. They continue to conduct inspections of passersby and households under tight security.

During these inspections, goods stored in Katonzi homes — including Thai products — were seized and transported to Kyaikmayaw on October 30 using six trucks.

According to local reports, the military has increased troop deployments and patrols in Kyaikmayaw Township since October 26, forcing resistance forces in the area to temporarily withdraw.