Thousands of civilians from 17 villages in Pauk Township, Magway Region, have been forced to flee to safety due to daily airstrikes by the military forces who have been conducting operations in the area for two months. According to a humanitarian official from Pauk Township, the military’s 101st Division from Pakokku, led by a deputy commander with nearly 1,000 troops, has been conducting daily aerial attacks using Y-12 aircraft, jet fighters, and mechanized paratroopers. After two months of operations, the military column has only reached the outskirts of Pauk Township, while residents from 17 villages along the Pauk-Pakokku road have been displaced.
The displaced civilians are facing urgent needs for food supplies and medicine after two months of displacement. More than 2,600 households with a population of over 12,000 people from the 17 villages are currently taking shelter in temporary displacement camps. According to a humanitarian affairs official from Pauk Township, they have not received any assistance from donors or organizations. While the People’s Administration Team of Pauk Township is trying their best to provide support from their tax collections, there are still significant needs to be met.
The military’s airstrikes have caused destruction to civilians’ homes, agricultural activities, and basic infrastructure, while education, healthcare, and economic activities have been suspended. The displaced populations are unable to return to their homes due to the ongoing situation and are currently facing immediate challenges with basic necessities, according to local residents. The humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate as the military operations persist, leaving thousands of civilians in desperate need of humanitarian assistance and protection.
