Mizzima

News has just come in that a convoy comprising five vehicles departed from Monywa Prison, located in Monywa Town, Sagaing Region and came under attack when a mine was detonated along the Monywa-Mandalay Road.

According to the Political Prisoners Network-Myanmar (PPN), a political prisoner named Dr. Zaw Htwal Aung, who was also a CDM doctor, and a driver lost their lives in the explosion. Additionally, the 15 August incident resulted in over 30 prisoners sustaining injuries.

Ko Thike Htun Oo, an official from PPN, stated that the convoy was en route to Mandalay and Myingyan prisons to transfer the prisoners.

The PPN stated that during the prisoner transfer, the majority of individuals being transported were political prisoners, with a smaller number being criminal prisoners.

“The explosion resulted in lots of casualties. Sadly, the CDM doctor and the driver lost their lives during the incident. Additionally, five individuals with critical injuries were rushed to Monywa hospital for emergency treatment. Their condition is said to be life-threatening,” Ko Thike Htun Oo, an official from PPN said.

According to PPN, Dr. Zaw Htwal Aung sustained severe internal and external injuries to his head in the mine explosion, which ultimately proved fatal.

Dr. Zaw Htwal Aung had been actively involved in the Spring Revolution from its inception. He tirelessly traveled throughout the country to offer medical assistance to internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the Sagaing Region.

The source reported that in September 2021, he was arrested and later sentenced to 11 years in prison by the Monywa Prison Court. The sentence was imposed under section 50 (j) of the Counter-Terrorism Law.

The group responsible for the attack has not been made public. The Military Council has not made any announcements about the incident.