The People’s Defense Force (PDF) is actively working to extinguish forest fires deliberately set by Pyu Saw Htee groups in Kan Ni village, Myaing Township, Magway Region, according to a representative from the Victor Guerrilla Force. The incident began on the morning of March 17, when Pyu Saw Htee groups emerged from the village in large numbers and began setting fires to the surrounding forest areas. After setting the fires, all Pyu Saw Htee members retreated back into the village. Revolutionary forces are currently attempting to control the fires, but due to the summer season conditions, the blazes remain intense and have not yet been contained.
The forest fires were set approximately 1.5 miles from the southeastern part of Kan Ni village. According to analysis from the Victor Guerrilla Force representative, the fires appear to be strategically set to clear visibility in case revolutionary forces approach the area. Despite firefighting efforts, the extensive scale of the fires has made them difficult to control, and they continue to burn. The situation is particularly challenging due to the dry conditions of the summer season, which has allowed the fires to spread rapidly through the forest area.
Meanwhile, in Kyauktagah Township, Bago Region, civilian casualties were reported following artillery attacks by the military council forces. At approximately 6:40 AM on March 17, military troops stationed in Kwin Chaung Wa village fired 120mm artillery shells at Phoe Ta village. The attack resulted in severe injuries to a 61-year-old woman named Daw Hla Htwe, as confirmed by local residents. The military council forces, positioned in Kwin Chaung Wa village, fired indiscriminately with two 120mm artillery pieces, with shells exploding within Phoe Ta village. Local sources verified that the artillery strikes were unprovoked and targeted civilian areas within the village.
