A 29-year-old man named Kyaw Myo Thu, who works as a distributor for a food company, was forcibly recruited by the military while working at Ayathun Market in Gawin Ward, Mandalay. The incident occurred around 10 AM on September 10th when Kyaw Myo Thu, an employee of a food company located on 1st Street in Kywesekan Ward, was carrying out his company duties at Ayathun Market. Family members confirmed that they have had no contact with him since his abduction, and they remain deeply concerned about his whereabouts and condition.
Similar incidents have been occurring in Yangon’s Mingaladon Township. Pyae Sone Oo, a 22-year-old resident of Thantkankwin Gyi Ward, was forcibly recruited while trying to hire a taxi to Yangon General Hospital around 7:10 PM. He managed to send a message to his family indicating that there were three men in the car and that he was feeling worried, before his phone was switched off. Later, extortionists contacted the family demanding 500,000 kyats, though the family suspects this may be a scam. The family member explained that they would be willing to pay if it meant securing his release, emphasizing that they are primarily concerned about his safety and pleading with his captors not to harm him. The situation is particularly challenging as his parents are in Taunggyi, far from Yangon where he was working.
Additionally, two youths from Pearl City Ward and a mohinga delivery man from Thantkankwin Gyi Ward were also forcibly recruited and remain missing. Local residents report that such forced recruitment incidents have become increasingly common, particularly in the Mingaladon and Pearl City areas. The military council has been conducting these forced recruitment drives throughout the country for their 17th intake of military service. Local sources confirm that these abductions have been occurring consistently, with the military targeting young people across major cities. The pattern of these forced recruitments has created an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty among local communities, with families often left without any information about their loved ones’ whereabouts or condition after such abductions.
