The People’s Defense Force has confirmed that military-backed Pyu Saw Htee members arrested and killed a 35-year-old man in Oak Suk Ward, Sagaing City, Sagaing Region, leaving his body abandoned by the roadside. On May 20th at approximately 10:25 AM, a group led by Pyu Saw Htee leader Aung Aung Oo arrived in Oak Suk Ward with three vehicles, where they arrested and killed a civilian pedestrian. They then ordered a local funeral service to collect and immediately cremate the body.
Currently in Sagaing City, Pyu Saw Htee groups are primarily focused on confiscating gold and oil, with their largest presence being in Min Road Ward. Aung Aung Oo is identified as the highest-ranking leader among all Pyu Saw Htee groups in Sagaing. The People’s Defense Force is currently investigating to determine the identity and address of the victim.
Additionally, on the morning of May 17th, soldiers from Battalion 33 and Pyu Saw Htee members near La Min Thar Restaurant in Oke Bo Ward forcibly recruited 15 young men as porters from passenger vehicles traveling along the Shwebo-Mandalay road. Later that afternoon, six Pyu Saw Htee members entered Oak Suk Ward in a car, detonated a bomb, and made threats to local residents.
Following the recent earthquake, military council troops have intensified their extortion, torture, and killings throughout Sagaing City. They forcibly recruited seven men who were queuing for earthquake relief rice donations near Dhat Paung Su Pagoda. On May 18th, military council troops also conducted indiscriminate heavy weapons fire in Ayeyarwady Ward and Dawai Market Ward, taking civilians as hostages. The situation has led to deserted streets, with only local residents remaining in the city, and many avoiding certain areas due to security concerns.
