Mizzima
Four orphans, between the ages of five and 10, were killed when junta soldiers indiscriminately fired into their orphanage in Khampat Town, in Sagaing Region’s Tamu Township, on 10 December.
Junta soldiers raided the AG Church Orphanage, in Ward 1 in Khampat Town, during the night of 10 December and randomly fired into the orphanage as they were trying to retake the police station next door and a nearby army camp that had been taken over by defence forces.
A defence force soldier said: “When the army attempted to get back their camp and the police station, they conducted a raid on the orphanage located behind the police station, and that’s when the gunfire ensued.”
At the time of the attack on the orphanage, there were about 40 people there, including 36 orphans and several caretakers. Sources say there is still a junta presence in the area.
Defence forces took control of Khampat Town on 7 November according to a National Unity Government (NUG) announcement.
On 10 December there was fierce fighting in Khampat Town when a column of about 200 junta soldiers tried to take back control of the town. They were also supported by junta airstrikes, according to defence force fighters.
Junta soldiers are also actively searching for defence force fighters hiding in wooded areas around Khampat Town.
Fierce fighting is ongoing in Khampat Town and the surrounding areas.
