Man Injured in Landmine Explosion in Kutkai

A man residing in Ward 5 of Kutkai Township, Ta’ang Region, was injured after an unexploded mine he was attempting to throw away. 

The incident occurred on February 25, at approximately 7 p.m. The daughter of the victim picked up a mine and when the victim was trying to throw it away, it exploded. 

“My daughter picked it up from downstairs. I realized it wasn’t a toy and tried to throw it away to get it out of the house. That was when it exploded. The device was about 10 inches long and appeared slightly damaged. It had landed on the house, which is currently being rented by an elderly man, during the earlier fighting. The previous landlady was so terrified by the conflict that she passed away.”

The man sustained an injury above his right ankle. Fortunately, the wound was not life-threatening. He received medical treatment at a local hospital and has since been discharged.

The explosive is believed to be unexploded ordnance (UXO) left over from the heavy fighting in Kutkai. Witnesses described the device as being roughly 10 inches in length and partially damaged.

According to data compiled by the Ta’ang Women’s Organization, landmines and unexploded ordnance have caused significant casualties between January and March 2026, with one person killed and 17 others injured, including six children.