Two villagers were killed, and two others were seriously injured when the Myanmar military and the Pa-O National Organization (PNO) militia launched heavy artillery strikes on Taung Po Kwe village, Nyaung Shwe Township, on February 12. This unprecedented attack has left the community in fear, forcing many to flee their homes.

A resident reported that six artillery shells were fired from the west bank of the Paikhun River, striking the village.

“Two people died, and two others suffered serious injuries. Their homes were also destroyed. The military and PNO have been shelling villages together, but this is the first time Taung Po Kwe has been targeted,” the resident told the Shan Herald Agency for News.

The injured victims sustained severe wounds to their legs and arms, while large portions of the village were left in ruins. The attack comes amid ongoing clashes along the Paikhun-Nyaung Shwe border between the military, the PNO, and revolutionary forces.

On the same day, the military and PNO launched eight more artillery shells—including incendiary bombs—at Nan Tok village in Panglong Township from the Loi Phwe area across the Biluchaung River. Though no casualties were reported, the bombardment destroyed two houses, leaving families homeless.

These attacks followed a military training ceremony conducted by the PNO on February 11 in Tha Pyay Kone village tract, Nyaung Shwe Township. The militia recruited local youth and provided them with just five days of basic training before deploying them to guard posts along the Shan-Karen border and front-line positions.

“They only trained them to run for five days. These young recruits don’t even know how to defend themselves, yet they are being sent into battle and even shelling villages,” a resident said.

Just a day after this training exercise, a small arms attack struck Taung Po Kwe, only seven miles from Tha Pyay Kone, resulting in more civilian casualties.

With continuous artillery bombardments and escalating militia activity, fear grips the civilian population. Many have lost their homes, loved ones, and any sense of security. Residents are calling for an end to the violence and urgent protection for those caught in the crossfire.