By Ra Wai / MPA
Military raids, arson, and killings by junta forces have forced more than 10,000 residents of Yae Lel Kyun village in Magway Region’s Yesagyo Township to flee their homes.
A military column of approximately 200 soldiers from Light Infantry Division 101 in Pakokku Township has been conducting operations in the Yae Lel Kyun area since March 2. According to the Yesagyo Township People’s Defense Team, the troops remain stationed in Bi Zat Kone Village, forcing residents from nearby villages to continue fleeing as of Wednesday.
“The military column has been in Bi Zat Kone Village for four days. In the first two days, they looted villagers’ belongings and transported them by vehicle to Min Village, a Pyu Saw Htee militia stronghold. On Tuesday, they began setting fires,” the Defense Team’s Information Officer told MPA.
Displaced civilians have sought refuge in safer villages, where they are receiving food and shelter.
“The military column is becoming more aggressive, prompting residents of larger nearby villages to flee preemptively,” the source added.
Over the past 18 days, the junta forces have torched villages across Yesagyo Township—including Myay Sun Taw, Za Yat Ni, Ma La Kar Chan, Thar Gaung, Myay Taw, and Bi Zat Kone—as well as Pan Nyo Village in Myaung Township. At least 18 civilians from Myay Sun and Thar Gaung villages have been killed.
