September 6, 2022
In Homalin Township, Sagaing Region, the SNA (Shan National Army) led by Sai Phyu has been reportedly apprehending and executing young individuals, accusing them of being PDF (People’s Defense Force) members. Videos showing these beheadings have been circulated, with reports indicating that at least 20 civilians, including youths, were executed in August alone, according to local defense forces and residents.
The SNA, working in conjunction with military junta forces, has been committing these acts against local youth and civilians under the pretext of identifying PDF members. A representative from Infantry Division (1) in the region stated that residents had provided evidence and videos of these executions, emphasizing the severity of the situation.
The spokesperson elaborated, “The incidents are taking place in Nan Nan village, located along the strategic road between Homalin and Phawngpyin, where the SNA Battalion 753, led by Sai Phyu, has established a base. They are committing extrajudicial killings against the local population. We do not yet have details on the identities of the victims. In Nan Nan, there are many individuals from various regions of the country engaged in gold trading and labor, making it challenging to ascertain their backgrounds. It is reported that around 20 unidentified civilians have been executed and their bodies disposed of in August.”
Furthermore, it is known that videos depicting the beheading of youths are being disseminated among SNA members, spreading across social networks. The Homalin regional defense force, HPDF 124, has also stated that they have obtained numerous pieces of evidence and videos regarding the SNA’s execution of youths, asserting that the SNA is collaborating with the military to carry out these atrocities against the local population.
