By Nway / MPA
The SAC Army has moved into Thahpandaunt village, located in the western part of Madaya Township, Mandalay Region, forcing residents from seven nearby villages to flee, according to local reports.
On the night of 26 September, at approximately 8:30 PM, a column of SAC Army consisting of around 180 soldiers, stationed in Thonesepay village in Madaya Township, moved to Thahpandaunt village, a local resident from western Madaya confirmed.
“At around 8:30 last night, they entered Thahpandaunt village by opening fire. They shelled with 40mm grenades and also fired small arms. Thahpandaunt is a strategic village. In the past, the SAC Army has often occupied it,” the resident told MPA.
On the afternoon of 26 September, the SAC Army also burned down Thonesepay and Kontanlay villages, the resident added.
“Both Thonesepay and Kontanlay were torched again. In recent days, they have been burning everything. Thonesepay has around 1,000 houses; it’s a large village. We don’t know yet how much has been destroyed,” he continued.
Since 21 September, the SAC Army has been conducting military operations in the western part of Madaya Township. As a result, residents from Thahpandaunt, Shwebaung, Thonesepay, Kontanlay, Kontangyi, Sulaykone, and Phayarmakone villages have been forced to flee their homes.
On 24 September, the People Defense Force (PDF) launched an attack on the northern gate of Madaya Town. In response, the SAC Army has closed all entrances and exits to the town, continuing the blockade up until today (27 September).
