FIVE local ethnic civilians were wounded by shrapnel when a joint force of the KNPP, KNDF and PDF allegedly launched improvised rockets at Lehtwae Village in Loikaw Township, Kayah State, while residents were peacefully performing meritorious deeds and visiting pagodas, stupas, monasteries and recreational sites on 26 October 2026, the Full Moon Day of Thadingyut (Abhidhamma Day).
The incident occurred at approximately 1:30 pm on 26 October, the Full Moon Day of Thadingyut, which is one of the most prominent of the 12 monthly seasonal festivals observed by Buddhists. While local ethnic residents of Lehtwae Village, Loikaw Township, Kayah State, were performing meritorious deeds at the village monastery, the joint force of the KNPP, KNDF and PDFs reportedly launched improvised rocket attacks towards the village from a location approximately 5,500 metres east of Lehtwae Village. The rockets landed and exploded near the monastery compound and residential houses, wounding two men and three women – innocent local ethnic civilians who were peacefully making merit – with bomb shrapnel.
Security forces transported the injured individuals to Loikaw People’s Hospital for medical treatment. Security personnel are continuing necessary security operations in the area surrounding the incident site. It is further reported that local residents feel utter disgust and abhorrence towards what they describe as the heinous, brutal and inhumane acts of terror committed by the attackers, who allegedly deliberately targeted a crowded civilian area with destructive intent to inflict mass casualties on such a sacred and auspicious day.
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