By Nway / MPA
The military set fire to Thonese Pay Village, located about five miles from Mandalay, following intense clashes, according to reports.
At around 10:30 AM Today (September 21), the military convoy burned down Thonesepay Village in Madaya Township, according to a local from the western part of Madaya Township.
“Thick plumes of smoke rise. At first, I thought the fire was caused by artillery, but it was the military column setting the village on fire,” the resident told MPA.
Around 4 AM today (September 21), two columns of junta troops advanced on Thonesepay Village, reportedly leading to clashes with defense forces.
“The military used airstrikes and heavy artillery continuously. They were also shelling from Madaya town using Howitzers and 81mm mortars. We haven’t heard any detailed information as the situation is still very volatile,” the local source added.
The junta conducted airstrikes at least six times during the clashes, and MPA is still attempting to receive confirmation on the casualties of revolutionaries and civilians.
MPA attempted to contact Madaya-based defense forces around 1:00 PM today regarding the ongoing situation, but communication was unable.
Since September 17, the junta has been shelling villages in Madaya Township nightly from military bases in Paukwae and Nan Taw Kyun Villages, prompting the civilians from Thonesepay Village and nearby areas, to flee to escape the bombardment.
On the same day, three civilians from Kywe Chan Kone Village in Madaya Township were killed by artillery fired from Paukwae Village.
Thonesepay is a village tract with over 633 households according to the 2014 census.
