On the 13th of October, Immaculate Conception Church in Phruso township was hit by artillery fire. Phruso is in Kayah state, a Christian stronghold. Photos examined by ICC show the intentionality of such an attack. Luckily, parishioners were not worshipping inside at the time, so despite all the damages done to the church’s roof, windows, and walls, no casualties were reported.

According to UCA News, Father Francis Soe Naing, chancellor of Loikaw Diocese, said priests and nuns were present when the attack happened but people from the parish had already fled to safe areas. This is the fifth Catholic church in Loikaw Diocese attacked by the Tatmadaw since May.

With the latest call to fight against the Tatmadaw by parallel National Unity Government (NUG) last month, fighting has increased between the Tatmadaw and the Karenni Army, as well as local defense forces in Kayah state and neighboring Shan state.

Source: persecution.org