A representative from the People’s Defense Force in Setoktara Township has confirmed that fighting has broken out after the military council’s forces entered villages in two separate columns, conducting raids and pursuing civilians in Magway Region’s Setoktara Township. The military operations began on June 25, targeting the villages of Ngama, Thansi, and Kyitun, located east of Setoktara town.
The military council deployed its forces in two separate columns. The first column, consisting of approximately 70 troops, advanced through the road branching towards Ngama village from the eastern Salin road, using heavy artillery support. The second column, with about 50 troops, approached from the direction of the Kyiwa police station across the Mon River near Kyitun village, also employing artillery fire. The combined force of approximately 120 troops conducted coordinated raids in the area.
During their advance, the military columns fired both heavy weapons and small arms indiscriminately at villages along their route. When civilians fled from the attacks, military troops pursued and attempted to arrest them, prompting PDF forces to intervene and rescue the villagers. The military forces also engaged in destructive activities, breaking into civilian homes and forcibly confiscating private property, according to local residents.
As these military columns entered the area, they encountered resistance from both the Setoktara Township People’s Defense Force and the Myaing Township PDF, resulting in armed clashes. While there were reported casualties among the military council forces, the exact numbers could not be independently verified, according to PDF members. The fighting continues in the region, forcing local residents to flee to safer locations. The military’s actions have resulted in significant property damage and displacement of civilians, as they continue their offensive operations in the area.
