Navy Vessel Fires Artillery Shells in Kyaukphyu, Killing One Woman and Injuring Seven Others, Including a Monk

Narinjara, May 19, 2026

A Myanmar military warship has reportedly fired artillery shells at three villages in Rakhine State’s Kyaukphyu Township, killing a 63-year-old woman and injuring seven other people, including a Buddhist monk.

On the night of May 17, a Myanmar Navy vessel stationed off the coast of Zin Chaung village fired at least six artillery shells at Ywa Thit Kay, Pauk Pyin, and Zin Chaung Kon Bwe villages between 10:15 p.m. and 10:42 p.m.

One of the shells landed in Ywa Thit Kay village, killing Daw San Aye Nu (63). The blast also injured five other residents: Ma Nandar Aung (14), Daw Ma Win (35), U Kyaw Soe Moe (39), U Soe Tin (60), and U Maung Po Yai (79).

Similarly, two artillery shells struck near a monastery in Pauk Pyin village, exploding just 30 meters from the compound.

The explosions partially destroyed the monastery building and injured the abbot, Sayadaw Winna Wunsa (59), along with a local resident, Ma Aye Nyein Thu (17).

The monk and the six injured civilians are currently receiving emergency medical treatment.

At approximately 10:25 p.m., another shell landed between the houses of U Min Naing Oo and U Kyaw in Zin Chaung Kon Bwe village. The explosion destroyed both homes and injured livestock.

Local residents reported that the navy and ground forces have been launching indiscriminate artillery and drone strikes on civilian areas following heavy military casualties in the ongoing battle for the Taung Maw U naval base in Kyaukphyu Township.