Military council forces continuing their operations in the Yoma border region of Letpadan Township, Bago Division, have been burning Ma Tu Tann village and using local civilians as human shields, according to local military sources. The military column that reached the Yoma border area on the morning of July 13 first set fire to Si Tone village around 11 AM, followed by burning Ma Tu Tann village after 1 PM. The military council’s arson attacks have destroyed numerous homes in both villages, though the exact extent of the destruction has yet to be confirmed. The military forces have detained residents from both Si Tone and Ma Tu Tann villages to use as human shields during their operations.
In addition to using civilians as human shields, the military council forces have been systematically looting civilian property from the villages. Currently, thousands of residents from Si Tone, Ma Tu Tann, and surrounding villages have been forced to flee to safety. The military continues to fire heavy weapons in the area, putting civilian lives and property at serious risk. Local sources report that the military column is deliberately targeting civilian areas and infrastructure while maintaining their aggressive operations in the region. The military’s actions have not only disrupted daily life but have also forced the complete cessation of agricultural activities and local businesses.
As the military council intensifies its operations in the region, there has been a corresponding increase in war crimes against innocent civilians. Local residents face multiple challenges, having to abandon their homes and possessions while dealing with difficulties in securing basic necessities, healthcare, and education. The humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate as more villagers are displaced, with many facing food shortages and lack of access to essential services. The military’s ongoing use of heavy artillery and systematic destruction of civilian property has created a severe humanitarian crisis in the area, with local communities bearing the brunt of the military’s aggressive tactics and human rights violations.
