The National Unity Government’s Ministry of Defense has announced that despite the military council’s declaration of a ceasefire, they are actively conducting military operations with tanks in Nyaung-U Township. On April 3rd at around 6 AM, military council troops from Nga Tharauk Police Station in Nyaung-U District, Mandalay Region, launched operations using two tanks to attack villages in the area. The military forces are reportedly firing various weapons, including Point-5 machine guns, at civilian homes in the villages of Myay Thant Taung, Ma U Pin, and Kya Toe.
The military column, consisting of approximately 600 personnel, has been conducting operations since March 20th between Nyaung-U and Chauk townships. During these operations, they have been burning civilian homes, arbitrarily arresting local residents, and looting valuable possessions from villagers. These aggressive actions have forced around 20,000 local residents to flee their homes and seek refuge elsewhere. The military council’s operations have caused widespread displacement and humanitarian concerns in the region.
According to the NUG Defense Ministry’s statement, while the military council has falsely announced a ceasefire, they continue to conduct airstrikes, artillery attacks, and ground operations without interruption. The military’s actions have resulted in the destruction of civilian property and livelihoods, creating an urgent need for humanitarian assistance. The ongoing violence demonstrates that the military council’s ceasefire announcement is merely a deceptive tactic while they continue their campaign of violence against civilians. The situation has created severe humanitarian challenges for the displaced populations who are now in desperate need of emergency aid and support.
