By Mandy / MPA

Myanmar’s military junta, in conjunction with the Pyu Saw Htee militia, has carried out a brutal attack on two villages in Kanbalu Township, Sagaing Region. The joint forces torched homes and detained innocent civilians, according to local sources.

On 30 October, 2024, a convoy of approximately 100 troops from the Kanbalu-based no.6006 Artillery Battalion  arrived with three military vehicles at the Pyu base in Kar Bo village. From there, they proceeded on foot to Ai Paung Chaung village, before advancing to Kyi Su and Kyauk Tine villages, where they set fires and destroyed property.

“It is reported that they detained villagers from Ai Paung Chaung on accusations of associating with PDF forces. Even those who had taken shelter in a local monastery were detained and forced to serve as human shields. The troops then used drones to bomb Kyi Su before entering the village and setting it on fire,” said Htoo Khant Zaw, a spokesperson for People’s Defense Comrade based in Ye-U Township.

As a result of these attacks, over 100 houes were destroyed in Kyi Su and Kyauk Tine villages. Drones also bombed Ai Paung Chaung in Ye-U Township and Mon Hla in Khin U Township, added Htoo Khant Zaw.

“The military attacked Kyauk Tine and Kyi Su with around 11 drone strikes, and they have currently detained 31 people, all from Ai Paung Chaung village. They were taken to no.6006 Artillery Battalion  base, but there has been no further information on their status,” reported a member of the Kyun Hla Activists Group.

Kyi Su village, which has approximately 900 households, had already been burned down twice previously by military forces, which destroyed 666 homes and one mosque. 

Kyauk Tine village was also targeted in an earlier assault that resulted in the destruction of 173 homes and one dining hall of a monastery, according to the Kyun Hla Activists Group.

“There were warnings broadcast on their telegram channels saying they were going to clear the Kanbalu area. Burning down houses and detaining civilians is too much, so people are keeping their distance from any military presence,” stated a displaced woman from Bo Tae Kone village, who is now sheltering in Shwebo.

Currently, military operations in Kanbalu Township have forced over 5,000 residents from villages including Kyi Su, Kyauk Tine, Ai Paung Chaung, Aung Chan Thar, Yan Taik, Pin Sein Khin, and Mon Hla to flee their homes.

Kanbalu Township, with strong military and Pyu Saw Htee presence, frequently experiences incursions and instances of arson. In July and August, combined forces of the military and Pyu Saw Htee set fire to around 400 houses in 12 villages across Kanbalu Township.

In addition, indiscriminate drone strikes have resulted in the deaths of nine civilians in Kanbalu Township throughout October, as reported by local sources.

Kanbalu is known as a stronghold for the Pyu Saw Htee militia led by Monk U Wathawa. Together with the military, they regularly conduct raids and looting operations in nearby townships including Khin U, Ye-U, Taze, Kyun Hla, and Katha, according to local reports.