On May 17th, Htan Gone Circle in Kanbalu District, Sagaing Region, was attacked by a total of four columns; the 361st and 368th Light Infantry Battalion under the SAC, 6006 Artillery Battalion from Kanbalu, and Pyu Saw Htee. Thus, the people of about 30 villages in Htan Gone Circle District are avoiding them again, according to the Kyun Hla Township Activists Group.
“The columns entered from all four sides, east, west, south, north. Two columns from the west, one column from the east, and one column from the south,” explained Local Ko Tat Toe.
At 6:00 a.m. on May 17th, the 368th Light Infantry Battalion with about 150 troops fired heavy weapons towards Min Gone Village in Htan Gone Circle. It is reported that the 361st Light Infantry Battalion under the SAC entered the In Lel Gyi village with about 120 troops.
“They took all the herds of cattle. They burned 35 houses. Even the shelters. Even if we bring rice, the fire cannot be got because of the weather. If I talk about the difficulties, I don’t know what to say. It is too much,” local Ko Tat Toe continued to explain.
Kanbalu Township is continuously being attacked by SAC troops from April to May, and the population fleeing the war is increasing, so there is a need for more food, shelter, and basic necessities, according to Kyun Hla Township Activists Group.