November 22, 2024
In Shwebo and Matayar townships, Sagaing Region, civilians are reportedly fleeing at night due to heavy artillery fire and military movements by the junta forces. Local sources have stated that the junta troops have been using large weapons to bombard villages during the night, forcing people to escape and take refuge elsewhere.
In the second week of November 2024, the junta forces set up strongholds in Shwebo town and at the Mingkone Buddhist Monastery. Soldiers positioned at the Shwebo District General Hospital and Mingkone Monastery have been shelling villages to the west of Shwebo town during nighttime hours. This has forced local villagers to flee in the middle of the night.
“The military forces arrived at the Mingkone Monastery and the Tribal Hospital five days ago. At night, they fire large weapons at villages to the west of Shwebo. During the night, civilians have no choice but to flee. Moreover, the military has been threatening the villagers of Tharye Kone, located to the west of the Tribal Hospital, demanding food as a form of intimidation. At night, the military has advanced to Minkonmu, firing heavy artillery, and villagers from Obo, Kingbyar, and Chippa villages have fled to nearby settlements. The next morning, they return to their villages, continuing this pattern for four consecutive days,” a local resident explained.
