The Yesagyo Township Information Committee has confirmed that military council forces have killed 11 civilians and destroyed multiple villages during their military operations in Yesagyo Township, Magway Region. Beginning March 2, approximately 200 troops from the military council’s 101st Division based in Pakokku and Battalions 256, 257, and 258 from Yesagyo Township launched an operation targeting Myaysunhtaw village in the river island area of Yesagyo Township.
During their three-day siege of Myaysunhtaw village, the military forces arrested and killed 11 civilians, including elderly villagers, and burned down the entire village. Among those killed were U Han Tin (over 70 years old), U Htay Myint (60), U Thanmani (88), Daw Than Pyay (60), Daw Hla Ngwe (86), U Kyaw Htay (67), U Aung Myint (69), Ko Thant Zin (35), and Ko Aung Linn Naing (40) from Myaysunhtaw village, as well as U Nyunt Way (70) and U San Win (50) from Malaka Chan village. The military forces systematically looted property from Myaysunhtaw village, Malaka Chan village, Ywa Thit village, Zayapni village, and Thagaung Lay village, before burning down residential buildings.
According to villagers’ accounts, the actual death toll may be higher as some bodies may have been burned to destroy evidence. As of March 9, military council forces have extended their operations to Pan Nyo village, causing residents from surrounding villages to flee for safety. The Information Committee spokesperson noted that while 11 deaths have been confirmed through the discovery of bodies, there could be more victims as the military forces are known to dispose of evidence through burning. Local residents continue to face displacement and loss of property as the military operations persist in the region.
