Myanmar junta forces reportedly kill 20 civilians in fresh clashes

Local media reported villagers fought back with catapults and crossbows after being assaulted by soldiers during a search for arms

Myanmar's security forces have reportedly killed 20 people in clashes with villagers armed with catapults and crossbows in the Ayeyarwady river delta region. If confirmed, the death toll would be one of the worst days of violence in the country in nearly two months.

Khit Thit Media and the Delta News Agency reported that 20 civilians had been killed and more wounded on Saturday, after villagers tried to fight back when soldiers assaulted residents in what they said was a search for arms.