In a fierce operation, Myanmar’s military junta executed four individuals, including two journalists, during a raid on a house in Kyaikto Township, Mon State, allegedly targeting a hub for resistance fighters. The crackdown occurred in Lett Pya village, where over 20 soldiers stormed the home of freelance journalist Ko Htet Myat Thu, leading to the deaths of Thu, Democratic Voice of Burma (DVB) reporter Ko Win Htut Oo, and two suspected Kyaikto Revolution Force (KRF) members.
The elderly homeowner, Thu’s grandmother, was severely injured, while two others escaped. Military forces did not return the bodies but cremated them the same day at Taunggalay cemetery. Pro-junta sources labeled it a “clearance mission,” claiming the victims were armed KRF members who fired at the troops. Contrarily, local residents argued that no shots were fired and the KRF members were unarmed and in civilian attire.
Both journalists were known for their extensive coverage of the conflict in Mon State and faced threats due to their work. Ko Win Htut Oo was a committed journalist deeply involved in anti-military protests post-2021 coup and had an outstanding arrest warrant. Ko Htet Myat Thu, previously injured and imprisoned by junta forces, continued his freelance journalism post-release, contributing to several media outlets.
Since the 2021 coup, more than 170 media personnel have been detained by the junta, with about 60 still imprisoned, and at least seven journalists killed, as per the Independent Press Council of Myanmar. Secretary Toe Zaw Latt condemned this action as a war crime, calling for concrete global measures beyond verbal condemnations.
