December 27, 2022. In Depayin Township, Sagaing Region, the military has committed acts of arson against Kyi and Bhayarakhu villages, resulting in the destruction of approximately 700 homes, according to a spokesperson from the White Defense Force and various regional news sources.
Reports from local news sources indicate that around 400 homes in Bhayarakhu village and approximately 300 homes in Kyi village have been burned down, totaling around 700 homes destroyed due to the military’s actions.
On the afternoon of December 26, the military aggressively stormed into Kyi and Bhayarakhu villages, setting numerous homes ablaze. As of now, the exact number of destroyed homes has yet to be confirmed. During clearance operations in Kyi village, three charred bodies were discovered within civilian residences, believed to be of military personnel or soldiers, the spokesperson added.
“Together, both villages have close to 900 to 1,000 homes. The number of those burned is significantly higher. We are still in the process of tallying the exact count. The locals have reported that there are military casualties as well. It is suspected that the remains belong to soldiers and rebels accompanying them. Currently, military forces have reached Myo Kyaung village, which is not far from Kyi village. The locals have not yet returned to their homes as the area is still being cleared,” stated a representative from the White D.P.Y. Force.
