Three civilians shot dead amid intensifying clashes in Hpakant

The bodies of three men were discovered in Kachin State’s Hpakant Township on Thursday, as the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and junta forces continued to clash in the jade-mining region.

The men, who had apparently been shot dead, were found near the village of Hmaw Si Sar, residents of the area told Myanmar Now. All three were identified as homeless residents of the village.

Although it was unclear who had killed the men, residents said they suspected junta troops active in the area.