Strategic Command-35 of the Tanintharyi Region Military Command has issued a warning for residents living along Union Highway No. 8 and the Myeik-Bokpyin road to evacuate in advance of planned attacks on military council positions in Palaw and Tanintharyi townships. The announcement comes as widespread clashes have broken out between People’s Defense Force battalions/units and military council troops who have been conducting operations in areas under Strategic Command-35’s jurisdiction in Palaw and Tanintharyi townships.
In Palaw Township, 10 civilian travelers seeking refuge in an area where no fighting was occurring were killed by artillery fire from the military council. Additionally, in Tanintharyi Township, the military council forces arrested 10 villagers from areas where they conducted operations, with the intention of forcing them into military service. The military council has been carrying out arrests, forced labor, torture, killings, and looting of civilian property in areas where their troops operate, as well as burning down homes in villages.
As the People’s Defense Force battalions and units under Tanintharyi Region Military Command prepare to launch attacks at any time against positions held by the military council, Strategic Command-35 has specifically warned traveling civilians and village residents to avoid staying in close proximity to military council troops along the Myeik-Palaw Union Highway No. 8 and Myeik-Bokpyin road, as well as in connected areas where the military council has established positions. The command has strongly urged people to evacuate to safe locations in advance of anticipated operations.
