By Nway / MPA
Approximately 15,000 civilians in Paukkhaung Township, Bago Region, have been displaced for more than 20 days due to ongoing attacks by the junta.
Following a resistance attack on two military vehicles transporting rations and ammunition to outposts in Paukkhaung town on Feb. 18, the military has launched artillery and paramotor strikes on villages across Paukkhaung Township.
The Pyay Township Basic Education Students’ Union reported that these attacks have forced residents from 11 villages to flee their homes in search of safety.
“The civilians will have to remain displaced for the long term. They have been fleeing since February and still cannot return home. Currently, they are sheltering in forests, setting up makeshift tents,” said Ko Thet Hnin Aung, president of the Pyay Township Basic Education Students’ Union.
“Nearby communities sometimes provide food and essentials, but the main shortages are in food and medicine,” he added.
The displacement has affected villages including Kan Gyi Kone, Pho Kone, Kyoet Pin Kone, Hlwa Sin Kone, Kyaung Kone, Hnget Pyaw Taw, Ywar Ma, Shwe Ku, Tha Hpan Kaing, Thit Yaung Pyan, and Aing Zauk.
Since Saturday, the military has deployed about 100 troops at the monastery in Kan Gyi Kone Village, near the In Ngar Gwa Sugar Mill in Paukkhaung Township.
“The military shelled Kan Gyi Kone Village once with heavy weapons. After the shelling, they entered the village, arriving in three fully armed vehicles before setting up camp,” said Ko Thet Hnin Aung.
On Sunday, soldiers stationed in Kan Gyi Kone Village shot a man, Ko Ye Myint, as he was returning from herding cattle. He sustained gunshot wounds and was taken to Paukkhaung Hospital for treatment.
