October 6, 2024.
In Budalin Township, Sagaing Region, General Aung Thura Zin has confessed to burning civilian homes and killing residents, as reported in a video released today, October 6, by the Battalion of Budalin-BOB in Mon State.
On September 30, forces from the military’s 106th Division, led by Lieutenant Colonel Kyaw Tint, conducted an operation involving the 106, 309, and 16 battalions, along with 229 battalions and a combined strength of 85 soldiers. They were attacked and repelled by the People’s Defense Forces (PDF), resulting in the deaths of 33 soldiers and the confiscation of various weapons, including 43 firearms and grenades.
Among those captured was General Aung Thura Zin, who stated that the military had entered Kutaw police station due to an assault from the resistance forces. During this military action, one civilian from Thae Chaung village and a 70-year-old man from Katoe village were killed, and approximately 20 houses in Katoe village were burned down.
“I confess that I have killed innocent civilians during operations in Kutaw village, and I have also burned innocent people’s homes. While moving along the route, I have burned down the homes of innocent people. I take responsibility for this and appeal to the public for understanding and forgiveness,” said General Aung Thura Zin.
The statement from the Battalion of Budalin-BOB noted that the detained soldiers were treated humanely in accordance with military regulations and acknowledged their wrongdoing by apologizing to the affected civilians.
“I promise that I will not repeat the mistakes I have made in my interactions with the public in the past,” General Aung Thura Zin added.
