The Myanmar military has launched an attack on Balaba village in Yesagyo Township, Magway Region, burning down civilian homes and forcing residents to flee for safety, according to confirmation from the Pakokku Special Task Force. The military forces entered the village with significant numbers during the afternoon of April 22, systematically setting fire to residential buildings without any prior warning to the inhabitants. Local sources report that the military immediately began their destructive operations upon entering the village, giving residents little time to salvage their belongings or prepare for evacuation.
According to Ye Naung, a member of the Pakokku Special Task Force, the full extent of damage and potential casualties cannot yet be confirmed as military forces continue to occupy the village. The ongoing presence of troops in the area has made it impossible to conduct a thorough assessment of the destruction. Local residents have been forced to flee to nearby forests and safe locations due to serious concerns for their safety, while inhabitants of neighboring villages have also begun evacuating their homes in fear of similar military operations spreading to their areas.
This military attack has resulted in the destruction of civilian properties, livelihoods, and communities, creating an urgent humanitarian crisis for the displaced population who now require immediate assistance with food, shelter, and healthcare services. Local residents express grave concerns that similar attacks may target other villages in the area as military operations continue to intensify in the region. The situation has created a significant displacement crisis, with families forced to abandon their homes and possessions with no clear timeline for when they might be able to return safely to their villages.
