Terrorist Acts committed in Letyetgone village, Depeyin Township(23-9-2022)
On 16 September 2022 in Letyetgone village, Depeyin Township of Sagaing Region, the combined group of so-called PDFs and KIA armed group attacked against the members of security forces by taking position behind residences and a monastery and used the villagers as human shields.
The incident in Letyetgone village is part of the pattern that security forces clash with PDFs. They turn schools, monasteries, and civilian dwellings into a terrorist hideouts and use these hideouts for their military purpose. In this regard, when the Tatmadaw personnel are conducting security operations to restore law and order, the PDF starts fire from their footholds and exchanges of fire occur.
On the other hand, the Rules of Engagement (RoE) have been made known to each and everyone of military personnel. Myanmar Tatmadaw has never targeted the unarmed civilians, which was also strictly prohibited in the RoE. The Government of Republic of the Union of Myanmar always considers the safety of children which is reflected in enacting of a Child Rights Law in 2019 to protect the rights of Children in accordance with national policies and regulatory frameworks with UN Convention on the Rights of the Child that Myanmar ratified in 1991.
Taking cover of local people, houses and religious buildings, the attack of terrorists against security personnel constitute war crimes according to the provisions in the Geneva Conventions and the international law. In this regard, necessary legal actions are being taken against terrorists who committed crimes under the Counter Terrorism Law and existing laws.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Nay Pyi Taw
Dated, 23 September 2022
Terrorist Acts committed in Letyetgone village, Depeyin Township(23-9-2022)