By Hlaing / MPA
The military junta brutally killed 11 civilians from Myay Sun Taw and Mar La Kar Chan villages in the Yae Lel Kyun area of Yesagyo Township, Magway Region’s Pakokku District, according to local residents and revolutionary forces.
A 30-year-old eyewitness told MPA that over 200 junta troops from Pakokku-based Light Infantry Division 101, along with soldiers from Yesagyo-based Infantry Battalions 256, 257, and 258, raided Myay Sun Taw and Mar La Kar Chan villages in Yesagyo Township between March 1 and 5. During the raid, they burned down more than 300 houses and killed civilians.
“Nine civilians from Myay Sun Taw and two from Mar La Kar Chan—11 in total—were found dead. Their bodies were discovered inside Myay Sun Taw Village. The soldiers killed every man they encountered there,” he said.
The bodies were found after the military withdrew, and the actual death toll may be higher, the source added.
On Thursday, the Yesagyo Township Info Committee identified some of the victims from Myay Sun Taw Village as U Han Tin (over 70), U Htay Myint (60), U Than Mani (88), Daw Than Pyae (60), and Daw Hla Ngwe (86).
The junta’s forces are reportedly continuing arson attacks and destruction across the Yae Lel Kyun area.
“The military started burning houses on the morning of March 1 and executed villagers on the spot,” a revolutionary fighter explained. “Airstrikes are occurring almost daily.”
The 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. The violence has also spread to 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.
As a result, approximately 10,000 residents have been displaced.
“Farmers can’t return to their villages due to the conflict, and they’re unable to harvest their crops,” a local farmer said.
“Some fields are drying up from lack of water, and those needing fertilizer are in critical condition.”
On Feb.26, revolutionary forces ambushed a military column of over 200 troops advancing east of the Chindwin River in Yesagyo Township, killing nine soldiers, including a captain.
According to a Friday report from the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP), the junta has killed 6,389 people nationwide since the coup on Feb.1, 2021.
Additionally, Data for Myanmar, an independent research organization, reported that 113,104 homes have been burned and destroyed by military forces since the coup.
