Two soldiers were killed in a mine explosion during clearance operations in Yoneson Gyi village, Thaung Tha Township, Mandalay Region, where military forces have sexually assaulted six women and are continuously burning civilian homes, according to local sources. On September 10 around 11:00 AM, military forces entering from Malun Township raided Yoneson Gyi village with gunfire and placed villagers under house arrest. During the raid, soldiers sexually assaulted six women, including one found in a bomb shelter and another who was delivering food. Sources confirm that sexual violence against village women continues while troops remain stationed there.
Of the six women assaulted, the identities of four victims remain unconfirmed while authorities are still investigating details about the other two victims. Local sources report that soldiers are frequently intoxicated and using drugs, with evidence of alcohol bottles, beer cans, and used condoms found along their patrol routes. On September 20, during mine clearance operations along the Yoneson Gyi-Malun road, an explosion killed two soldiers and injured 12 others. The seriously wounded were transported to Meiktila Hospital while eight others with minor injuries were sent to Malun Hospital.
The military column also raided Yechar village on September 20, looting 1.5 million kyats in cash, rice bags and other goods from a grocery store. They arrested one woman and forcibly took her earrings, rings and other gold jewelry. The troops have confiscated over 100 mobile phones from civilians along their patrol routes. Since establishing their presence on September 10, the military continues to burn houses daily in Yoneson Gyi and Thanbo villages, though the exact number of destroyed homes remains unconfirmed. Soldiers have also destroyed property they did not want to take. As of September 21 at 1:30 PM, troops including Thida Yu Mon’s Pyusawhti members from Myingyan and police from Yangon Hmawbi Police Battalion 5 remain stationed in Yoneson Gyi village and continue burning homes in the North Cemetery and Central Ward areas.
