The military operations in Nyaung-U Township, Mandalay Region, have forced thousands of civilians to flee their homes, according to Ko Aung Soe, military affairs officer of the People’s Democratic Army (PDA). On August 12, the military forces raided Ywar Thit Taung village and Chaung Shay village, while launching heavy artillery attacks on surrounding villages, causing widespread panic and displacement among local residents. The military’s aggressive actions have created a humanitarian crisis in the area, with civilians seeking safety in various locations away from their homes.
Currently, more than 5,000 residents from over 10 villages, including Ywar Thit Taung, Hpa Yar Thin, Chaung Shay, Anauk Ohn, Su Tun, Pan Kone Pin, and Ote Hle Tan villages, have been forced to evacuate their homes. The military has established positions within these villages, threatening civilians and reportedly engaging in looting and destruction of civilian property. Local sources indicate that the situation continues to deteriorate as the military maintains its presence in the area.
On August 11, resistance forces launched an attack against the military column between Chaung Wa and Ywar Thit Taung village using barrel mines and Padamya mines, resulting in the deaths of 18 soldiers. Following this attack, the military responded with intensified artillery shelling and has now stationed approximately 100 troops in the villages, escalating their oppression of local civilians. Ko Aung Soe further reported that the military’s presence has made it impossible for villagers to return to their homes, and the humanitarian situation continues to worsen as more people are forced to flee from the advancing military forces.
