The ceasefire declaration by the military junta is nothing more than a deceptive maneuver, as its forces launched an assault on Nyaung-U Township this morning using two armored vehicles, according to a statement from the Ministry of Defense under the National Unity Government (NUG).
At around 6:00 AM today, troops from the junta’s Nga Thar Yauk police station in Nyaung-U District, Mandalay Region, advanced into villages in Nyaung-U Township using two armored vehicles, reports indicate.
As the column moved forward, junta forces opened fire on civilian homes in Myay Thant Taung, Ma U Pin, and Kyauk O villages using various weapons, including .50 caliber machine guns.
The assault force, estimated to be around 600 troops, began its operations on March 20, advancing through villages between Nyaung-U and Chaung-U townships. During this offensive, junta forces have been accused of torching civilian homes, arresting local residents, and looting valuable possessions.
Due to these attacks, approximately 20,000 residents have been displaced, seeking refuge from the ongoing military operations. Despite its publicized ceasefire announcement, the junta continues to conduct aerial strikes and ground offensives, the NUG’s Ministry of Defense stated.