Three police officers, including a deputy police chief, were killed, and the police station chief was seriously injured when prisoners at Ye Township Police Station in Mon State overpowered officers, seized firearms, and opened fire before escaping, according to security sources.
The incident occurred at around 9 a.m. on February 1, when officers, led by Deputy Police Chief Naing Lwin Oo, were delivering meals to detainees. The prisoners managed to seize firearms from Deputy Police Chief Naing Lwin Oo, Police Sergeant Myint Htun, and Police Constable Kyaw Swar Htet before opening fire. Four prisoners then escaped from the station.
As a result of the shooting, Deputy Police Chief Naing Lwin Oo, Police Sergeant Myint Htun, and Police Constable Kyaw Swar Htet died inside the detention area. Meanwhile, the police station chief, Deputy Police Major Myint Oo, sustained a gunshot wound to the right side of his chest and was receiving treatment at Ye District Public Hospital, a security source confirmed.
A gunfight between security forces and the escaped prisoners ensued, lasting until around 11:30 a.m. During this standoff, three of the escaped detainees surrendered, while one managed to evade capture. Security forces have since launched a manhunt to apprehend the remaining fugitive.
Local residents reported hearing gunfire near the police station from around 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Authorities imposed tight security measures, blocking roads around the station, including the main Ye-Dawei highway. The restrictions were lifted at approximately 11:30 a.m. after the situation was brought under control.
Subsequent reports indicated that the remaining fugitive had allegedly reached the Ye Bilu group, according to social media posts associated with the group.
Ye Township has seen frequent attacks on military posts, police stations, government offices, and administrative officials, with reports of security personnel, civil servants, and local administrators being targeted.
In response to the deteriorating security situation, the State Administration Council-SAC imposed martial law in Ye Township on February 2, 2023. Under Article 419 of the Constitution, the SAC granted full military control over administration and judicial matters to the Southeastern Regional Military Command.
