By Hlaing / MPA
Approximately 10,000 residents have been forced to flee their homes amid escalating military operations in Yesagyo Township, located in Magway Region’s Pakokku District, and the western part of Sagaing Region’s Myaung Township, according to aid workers and displaced locals.
The military junta launched an offensive on Feb. 26, deploying over 200 troops into the Yae Lel Kyun area on the eastern bank of the Chindwin River in Yesagyo Township.
Clashes quickly erupted between junta forces and allied resistance groups, including the Myingyan Black Tiger (MBT). During the fighting, resistance forces captured nine junta soldiers alive and seized weapons and ammunition.
In response, the military has been reinforcing its troops from Pakokku-based Light Infantry Division 101 and Yesagyo-based Infantry Battalions 256, 257, and 258 since Sunday. These forces have been raiding villages in the Yae Lel Kyun area, burning and destroying homes.
A source from the Yesagyo Township Info Committee told MPA, “The people are still displaced and unable to return to their villages. The fear and destruction are overwhelming.”
“The military continues to raid villages. They targeted Thar Gaung Gyi and Hpyon Bu on Friday. At least 5,000 people have been displaced in Yesagyo Township alone, and residents from Myaung are also fleeing,” the source added.
Between Sunday and Wednesday, junta troops burned down more than 300 homes in Myay Sun Taw Village—nearly the entire village—and killed five elderly residents who were unable to escape.
Clashes between junta forces and local resistance fighters continue daily.
A source close to the resistance forces reported, “Junta troops from Za Yat Ni Village split into small units to advance. One unit strayed too far, allowing resistance forces to launch an attack, resulting in around 15 fatalities. A sergeant was captured along with an MA1 rifle.”
The military’s raids have affected multiple villages in Yesagyo Township—including Sin Chay Yar, Za Yat Ni, Thar Gaung, Nwar Mawt, Hpyon Bu, Kyauk Hpu, Kywe Kone, Bone Taw Pyayt, Hmak Kone, Me Kone, Mi Hpa Yar, Mee Laung Kyun, Pauk Taw Kyun, Mingalar Chan, Myay Sun Taw, Ywar Thit, and Shwe Hlan—as well as western Myaung Township, impacting Shwe Ta Chaung, Na Nwin Kaing, Su Lay Kone, Sin Hlaung, Myit Thar, Thu Kha Di Pa, Myit Son, Min Hla, and Nga Yant Oh.
Currently, approximately 10,000 residents from these villages have been displaced.
Displaced civilians are taking refuge in religious buildings, forests, mountains, and the homes of relatives far from the conflict zone. However, many fear prolonged displacement will severely impact vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, and pregnant women.
A displaced woman described the dire situation: “Villages can no longer help each other since all the surrounding areas are affected.”
“We are trying to ration our food. With the onset of summer, we’re also worried about children getting diarrhea and the health of the elderly,” she added.
According to Data For Myanmar (DFM), an independent research organization, the military junta has destroyed 113,104 civilian homes in arson attacks across the country from May 1, 2021, to Jan. 31, 2025, since the coup.
Editor – Ko San
Translator – Z
