According to a spokesperson from the People’s Defense Force, more than 60 civilians from five villages in western Sagaing Township, Sagaing Region, have been taken as human shields by the military forces, causing thousands of residents to flee to safety. On May 30 at around 8 AM, military forces from the Five-Story Buddha Pagoda base camp and 33rd Division, along with Pyu Saw Htee members, launched an operation with over 250 troops into Nyaung Kone village, Kyaung Taw Gyi village, and West Ta village.
The military column first raided Nyaung Kone and Kyaung Taw Gyi villages, where they detained more than 40 people from Nyaung Kone village and over 20 from Kyaung Taw Gyi village as human shields. Among those detained were men, women, and elderly persons, and none have been released so far. The following day, on May 31, the military forces continued their operations into Daung Ma village, Sin Mye village, and Thalun Phyu village, where they conducted additional arrests.
Currently, approximately 1,500 local residents have been forced to flee their homes due to the military operations, and the exact number of additional detainees has yet to be confirmed, according to the People’s Defense Force spokesperson. The military forces continue to conduct operations in the area’s villages and maintain their oppressive actions against civilians. The situation remains tense as the military continues its campaign of intimidation and forced detention of civilians in the region.
