Military council forces conducted raids on villages within the Kyaukhkwet village tract in Nattalin Township, Bago Region. The operations began around 5 AM on May 17, during which they burned down a civilian house in Kyaukswel village. The forces then proceeded to enter Thanhtaw and Kyaukhkwet villages, according to local residents. During these raids, the military forces shot and killed Ko Kyaw Win from Thanhtaw village and Ko San Hlaing Htun from Kyaukhkwet village, claiming they were attempting to flee.
The military council forces have installed heavy weapons at the monastery in Kyaukhkwet village and detained over 40 civilians as human shields. While some of the detained civilians were released on May 19, approximately 20 people remain in custody. According to local sources, the military forces continue to occupy Kyaukhkwet village and have even increased their presence in the area. Due to this occupation, residents from surrounding villages have been forced to flee to safety and are unable to return to their homes.
The ongoing military presence and brutal actions have created an atmosphere of fear and insecurity among local residents. The situation remains unstable as the military council forces continue their occupation of the area. Local residents report that the military has strengthened their positions within Kyaukhkwet village, making it impossible for displaced villagers to return to their homes. The community remains in a state of uncertainty as the military council forces continue their operations in the region, maintaining their grip on the area through intimidation and violence against civilians.
