BAGO DIVISION – The terrorist junta forces raided and torched three villages in Kyaukgyi Township, resulting in destruction of civilian homes and over 18,000 local people were also forced to flee, KNU Central announced on March 24.
Around 100 junta forces torched the houses in Kyuntaw Village and Sawin Village in Kyaukgyi Township on March 14 and similarly raised and torched Yayle Karen Village on March 20.
35 houses from Kyuntaw Village and seven houses from Sawin Village for a total of 42 houses were burned down as a result while the damage status at Yayle Karen Village is not yet known.
“The junta council column is still around Yayle Karen Village as of today (March 25). Because the column raided and torched the village, the local people had to flee. Some villages are still unable to return home,” shared a person helping the displaced people.
Since that junta column invaded Kyaukgyi Township starting March 14, residents from over 20 villages: Taguntai, Yaytwingonelay, Yaytwingonegyi, Thapyaygone, Oatshitkone, Ohnpinsu, Nganwarseik, Anyarsu, Yanmyoaung, Naungkone, Yintaikgone, Yayle Karen, Yayle Bamar, Yayle West, Mayanseingyi, Mayanseinlay, Ywargyiinn, Kyunkone, Taungsu East, Taungsu West, Tamarkhaw, Htwanikone, Doneto, Lettatgyi (Karen), Lettatgyi (Bamar), Thinganwun, Wattu (West) and Kyaypinpauk, had to flee.
The fleeing residents still dare not return home and food, shelter and medicine are required for them, according to a person helping the displaced people.
In addition, junta battalions in eastern Bago and junta forces stationed in the villages would often fire heavy artillery shells without battles, causing civilian casualties.
On March 8, junta forces from light infantry battalion 439 stationed at Kwinchaungwa Village fired nine shells towards Ohnpinsu, Yintaikgone, Nganwarseik, Yayle and Anyarsu Villages and two shells exploded inside Yayle Village, injuring five civilians.