Three female pilgrims were killed and 18 people including a security member were injured when the PDFs fired at the car parking in Kyaikhtiyo Mountain, said Major General Zaw Min Tun, spokesman for the State Administration Council (SAC).

“The PDFs came and shot at the pilgrims at the car parking in Kinpunchaung Village, Kyaikhtiyo Mountain at 10:40 am. They arrived in a four-wheeled car from Saungnainggyi Village in Kyaikto. They opened fire with 40 mm grenades and small arms from fifty yards to the east from the mountain road. It has been reported that the PDF group that opened fire has retreated towards Saungnainggyi Village. Three female pilgrims died there. Eight male pilgrims and nine female pilgrims were injured. It is known that one of the policemen working on security was also injured," said Major General Zaw Min Tun.

Major General Zaw Min Tun said that about 12 PDF members came to the Kinpun base camp, which led the way to go the Kyaikhtiyo Pagoda, in a pickup truck and opened fire.

He added that those who were injured in the incident were taken to Kyaikhto Public Hospital for treatment, and if necessary, they will continue to be taken to a military hospital for treatment.

Major General Zaw Min Tun said, “They have been sent to Kyaikhto Public Hospital for treatment. At about 11:40, they arrived at the hospital. If necessary, they will be sent to the military hospital for further treatment. According to the cultural customs of Myanmar people, there are people who visit the famous pagodas during the Thadingyut period. There are some who go out for a visit. This action comes after the man who calls himself the president from the NUG terrorist group threatened to continue the attacks the other day.”

Major General Zaw Min Tun said that the security forces are continuing to decisively destroy the PDFs who are carrying out terrorist acts.

"The attack on the pilgrims is directly threatened the public. The people of the whole country should protest against the actions of NUG, CRPH and PDF terrorist groups. After that, I would like to request the public and the security forces to work together to eradicate it," Major General Zaw Min Tun said.