By Nway / MPA
Military junta troops killed more than 10 civilians in raids and arrests over a five-day period in February, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP).
The report states that during the second week of February, junta soldiers carried out ground raids, using civilians as human shields, arresting and killing them, and setting civilian homes on fire.
A former teacher involved in the anti-junta Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) and sheltering in Myaing Township told MPA, “When military columns advance, resistance groups must prioritize the safe evacuation of civilians and provide timely information.
Civilians should also follow instructions carefully. If these measures are taken, the risk of killings and arrests during military raids can be reduced.”
During junta raids on Feb. 15, soldiers arrested villagers from Yae Poke Ka Lay Village in Pwintbyu Township, Magway Region, using them as human shields. Two days later, on Feb. 17, six of the detainees were executed.
Similarly, on Feb. 19, junta troops launched a ground assault in Kyauk Sauk Village, Myaing Township, setting fire to civilian homes. An elderly woman, over 100 years old and unable to flee, perished in the fire, while 48 homes were reduced to ashes, according to the AAPP.
On the same day, military forces raided Pay Gyi Village in Kanbalu Township, Sagaing Region, shooting five civilians dead and arresting around 30 others.
The junta also carried out airstrikes on Feb. 20, targeting villages in Pauktaw Township, Rakhine State; Lauk Hpan Village, Nawnghkio Township, Shan State; and Wea Baung Village, Mongmit Township, Kachin State, despite no reported clashes. These attacks killed around 10 civilians, including children, and left many others injured.
On Feb. 23, the military used paramotors to conduct airstrikes on Mon Hnyin Village in Sidoktaya Township, Magway Region, killing eight civilians, including a child, according to AAPP.
Editor – ML
Translator – Z
