A family _ fleeing the war from Kalay town in Sagaing Region _ was hit by a landmine planted by the junta troops _ at around 12:00 noon on February 29, killing a 2-year-old child and injuring a 30-year-old her parents, according to local news sources.
A source on the ground told MPA that while a family was fleeing the war by motorcycle to the southern Kalay town _ which has been controlled by the resistance forces _ due to the military tensions in the town, the family was hit by a landmine near Second Village stationed by the junta troops.
“When the family fled to the control area from the town, they crossed the wrong way to the side of the junta troops. At that time, this family was trapped and hit by the junta’s landmine. Their daughter died on the spot, by dropping off her heart. Her parents were injured in their legs and thighs,” he explained.
This family was rescued by local defense forces, and the couples injured are now receiving medical treatment.
The Kalay District People’s Defense Force had announced on February 25 that the local defense forces were going to increase their military attack on and around Kalay town, then many local residents fled to safety.
“Most local people _ from Wards of Tarhan, Monline, Kyoe Tonepin in the west of Kalay town _ have fled from the war. As for the eastern wards of Kalay, it is not easy to leave. So, locals from the eastern wards still stay like this,” a man from Nyaung Pintha Ward told MPA.
The Kalay-based junta military is re-patrolling to the south of Kalay town and is stealing public properties after entering Htomar village, and it is investigated that the fighting between the junta troops and the local defense forces is still also fierce.