July 5, 2022
In the western part of Diyein Township, Sagaing Region, the military has initiated a so-called “clearance operation,” burning villages and forcing residents to flee in large numbers. Local sources report that the military launched attacks and arson in the area, leading to the displacement of over a thousand people from twelve villages.
On the evening of July 4, around 4:25 PM, military troops reportedly seized the schools in Panpu and Theimba villages. These troops arrived via helicopters, and on the morning of July 5, they set fire to Kyuuntawlay and Inpin villages. Due to the ongoing military arson, residents from these twelve villages are currently fleeing amidst the rainy season, creating additional hardships for those displaced.
A local resident recounted, “Yesterday, suddenly, three helicopters came with soldiers. As soon as they arrived, we had to flee with nothing but the clothes on our backs. The rain is pouring, and we are suffering greatly. We have to run every time they come because if we don’t, they assume we are their enemies. There have been instances where they capture and kill locals.”
The military has previously attacked villages in the western part of Diyein in June, July, and November of last year, engaging in battles with local defense forces and killing numerous residents. Currently, without active fighting, the military is merely occupying and burning villages.
Another local emphasized, “This is the military’s strategy. They burn villages to scare local PDFs (People’s Defense Forces) and provoke them into responding. Such actions will undermine even their supporters’ trust in them.”
The villages affected by the military’s recent incursions and arson include Panpu, Theimba, Kyuuntawlay, Kyuuntawgyi, Khone, Bothtan, Ootain, Sapya Khin, Both, Ontin, Kyi, and Phura Htwe, totaling twelve villages.
