The military forces conducting operations in Thayetkone Township, Bago Region, have been burning villages for two consecutive days and attacking displaced civilians with drones, according to local resistance forces. On August 12 around 9 AM, military troops who entered Yonepintet village in Thayetkone Township pursued and attacked fleeing civilians with drones. Around 10 AM the same day, the military column advanced to Dharywekyauk village and proceeded to burn down residential homes, according to local residents’ accounts.
The military’s arson attacks completely destroyed 14 houses in Dharywekyauk village. The Pyay District People’s Defense Force (PDF) and Thayetkone Township PDF forces have been engaging in defensive operations against the military column, resulting in ongoing clashes in the area. On August 13, the military column continued its campaign of destruction by burning Thayet-kyaing-kyoe village, forcing all residents to flee and seek shelter elsewhere.
Local civilians are living in fear due to the military’s offensive operations and destruction of property, forcing many to evacuate their homes for safety. Due to the military’s deployment of patrol units in the area, the exact number of civilian casualties cannot yet be confirmed, according to the Pyay District PDF. Local residents have been urged to follow security guidelines while clashes are ongoing in the region. The military’s systematic burning of villages and targeting of civilians with drones represents an escalation of violence against local communities, creating an urgent humanitarian situation as more residents are forced to flee their homes and seek refuge in safer areas.
