ISTANBUL 

At least 30 civilians were reportedly killed by the military junta forces' shootings and artillery shelling in less than a month in northern Myanmar.

Junta forces raided a major jade mining town in Kachin state's Hpakan township between May 27 and June 16, according to the Myanmar Now news website, citing sources.

The military reportedly deployed around 600 troops from Kamaing town, about 40 miles (64 kilometers) from Hpakant, in the third week of April to support their remaining positions after the armed militia Kachin Independence Army (KIA) took control of nearby hilltop camps and villages and blockaded junta forces.

When troops arrived, they launched raids on the town and surrounding villages, set fire to jade mining areas, and shelled eastern parts of the region, the media outlet reported, citing sources.

Several residents were arrested, and several civilians were injured as a result of the attacks.