DAWEI—A 60-year-old man was killed today after being struck by artillery fired by the military junta on the same day the regime held its scheduled election, according to local residents.

The incident occurred after 10:00 AM while the first phase of the junta’s election was underway in Dawei Township. Residents reported that a drone was seen flying over Htein Twin village, located across the Dawei River, prompting junta forces to open fire with heavy weaponry.

Junta troops stationed on Nakhan Taw Hill in Launglon Township, along with forces based within Dawei city, reportedly fired more than 20 artillery rounds. One shell landed and exploded in Htein Twin village, striking the victim with shrapnel.

“He was talking with another man at the entrance of the village when an artillery fragment hit him. His ribs were torn open, and he passed away shortly after,” a local resident said.

The victim was identified as U Soe Tint, a resident of Htein Twin village. His body was cremated this afternoon, according to locals.

Since 7:00 AM today, revolutionary forces have carried out drone strikes against government buildings in Dawei city where voting was taking place. While some buildings were damaged, sources close to the Dawei Hospital reported no casualties from the drone strikes.

“The only person brought in from a polling station was an elderly man who felt dizzy while waiting in line. There were no other casualties,” a source said.

Following the drone attacks, the military junta began firing artillery toward Launglon Township starting at 8:00 AM. Those strikes injured a monk from Pyin Htein village and a woman from Taung Min Pyaw village.

As of 4:00 PM today, city entrance and exit gates remained closed by the military.

The junta is currently conducting the first phase of its election in four townships across the Tanintharyi Region, including Dawei. In Dawei Township, voting was impossible in many rural villages; consequently, the majority of polling stations were concentrated within the city limits.