In Kanbalu Township, Sagaing Region, terrorist military forces and Pyu Saw Htee militia members have arrested, tortured and killed 9 civilians including a deaf person, while also burning down houses, according to local activists. On June 23 at around 8:30 AM, approximately 100 military personnel and Pyu Saw Htee members entered Thapayetha and Kyaungkone villages through Wetdaw (South) village, firing heavy weapons and small arms. The military column committed atrocities for three consecutive days, including arresting villagers, looting valuable possessions, and burning down homes.
The terrorist military forces brutally tortured and killed the arrested civilians after tying their hands behind their backs. The victims were U Hlaing Zaza, age 50, who was deaf and unable to speak; U Aung Naing, age 45; U Tayoke Gyi; Ko Myo Htet, age 34; U Win, age 53, from Pholegone village; U Chit Win, age 60; Ko Thein Toe, age 37, from Kyaungkone village; U Myint Maung, age 45; and U Myo San. One civilian was also burned to death. Local sources reported that after three days, the bodies of the victims had begun to decompose. The victims were found with their hands tied behind their backs and multiple stab wounds, showing signs of extreme brutality.
The military column left Thapayetha and Kyaungkone Gyi villages on June 26 around 9 AM and moved to the Zikone Sugar Factory, before reaching Gwekone village at around noon. Due to the presence of these terrorist forces, approximately 8,000 civilians from Thapayetha, Kyaungkone, and surrounding villages have been forced to flee to safety, fearing for their lives. The exact number of houses destroyed by arson is still unknown, but local sources indicate extensive damage to residential properties across multiple villages. The total extent of destruction and losses has yet to be determined as the situation continues to develop.
