Local revolutionary sources and residents have reported kidnapping incidents by military forces and Pyu Saw Htee armed groups targeting business owners in Nyaung-U Township, Mandalay Region, and Myawaddy Township, Karen State. In Nyaung-U, despite tight security measures during military leader Min Aung Hlaing’s visit, armed individuals associated with the military kidnapped businesswoman Daw Khin Ma Gyi, stealing gold jewelry, a vehicle, and 50 million kyats.
The incident occurred on July 13 at approximately 6:30 PM in Ward 6, Aung Myay Thar quarter of Nyaung-U, where armed perpetrators kidnapped Daw Khin Ma Gyi, wife of businessman Ko San Oo, along with their driver Ko Min Thu. The kidnapping took place during heightened security measures implemented for Min Aung Hlaing’s visit, with armed military council soldiers and Pyu Saw Htee members maintaining strict control over the area. Investigations have revealed that the perpetrators were Pyu Saw Htee members operating under the military from the Pakokku, Myit Chay, and Kyun Chaung regions.
A People’s Defense Force (PDF) official from Nyaung-U District explained that revolutionary forces faced severe restrictions on movement within the city due to Min Aung Hlaing’s visit. The official confirmed reports of Pyu Saw Htee members from the Myit Chay area infiltrating the territory. Currently, armed robbery groups from the Pakokku District, equipped by the military, are also active in Nyaung-U city. The heightened security measures during Min Aung Hlaing’s visit made it particularly challenging for revolutionary forces to operate in the area.
Simultaneously, in Myawaddy’s Ward 4 near the old Iron Bridge car compound, soldiers from Battalion 22 kidnapped a construction materials shop owner. The military personnel forcibly entered the owner’s residence and demanded a ransom of 4 million Thai Baht. When family members attempted to secure the victim’s release with assistance from Border Guard Force (BGF) troops, the situation escalated into armed conflict, resulting in casualties and injuries. These incidents highlight the ongoing pattern of violence and extortion by military-affiliated forces against civilians in both regions, demonstrating the deteriorating security situation for local business owners and residents.
