A representative from the People’s Defense Force in Thihling Township has confirmed that the military forces conducted a raid on Myat Myaing village in Magway Region, during which they arrested 10 civilians and looted civilian property. The incident occurred on August 7, 2023, at approximately 6:30 AM when a military column of about 50 personnel from Kyaw Nat Htop area entered Myat Myaing village. The forces systematically searched homes and shops in the village, confiscating valuable items. They also destroyed various goods, including bags of fertilizer.
The military forces arrested 10 male civilians from the village and forced them to carry the looted items, effectively using them as human shields, which local sources point out constitutes a war crime. The military column departed the village in the evening. In a similar incident, military personnel from Battalion 22 conducted a raid on Win San village in Seikphyu Township, Magway Region. During this incident, which occurred on August 6, the soldiers entered villagers’ homes, searching and looting gold jewelry and money.
During the incident in Win San village, the military personnel physically assaulted villagers and threatened to kill those who requested the return of their gold jewelry. They also forcibly took cattle from the village and brutally beat elderly residents, according to local sources. These acts of looting and brutality by the military forces continue to occur throughout the Magway Region, creating serious concerns for the safety and security of local civilians’ lives and property, according to responsible officials who assessed the situation.
