By Hsu Yee / MPA
Facing heavy battlefield losses, Myanmar junta troops have escalated attacks on civilians in Minhla Township by torching villages and launching heavy artillery strikes, forcing tens of thousands to flee their homes.
On Thursday morning around 7 a.m., junta forces burned down Nga Moe Yeik village. According to the Minhla Township People’s Defense Force (PDF), the attack followed artillery fire from multiple junta bases, including a Light Infantry Battalion in Sein Kant Lant village, Kyauk Ta Hkar Pagoda Hill, Ta Ka Lay village monastery, and Sit Kwin Junction.
“They burned Nga Moe Yeik today. Yesterday it was Khwet Ma and Za Yit Hmyaung,” said Comrade Moe Htet, the PDF’s information officer. “They’ve been taking heavy losses since Sunday. I heard some villagers were arrested when the troops went in to set fires.”
Artillery shelling has continued daily since April 22, displacing residents from 66 villages east of the Yangon-Pyay highway.
“Most are fleeing to areas without fighting. Those with resources go to nearby towns, while others escape into the jungle. Some villages are now completely empty,” Moe Htet added. “They’re fleeing because of shelling, not ground fighting.”
On Sunday morning, resistance forces attacked a junta column of more than 70 troops near Nga Moe Yeik, killing 10 soldiers and seizing 11 firearms, a 60mm mortar, ammunition, and other supplies.
Clashes have intensified across Minhla since April 22, with junta forces relying heavily on airstrikes, artillery, and ground offensives.
