Military column enters villages in Sagaing Township, detains over 20 civilians as human shields, thousands flee

Yangon, June 30 According to local residents who spoke to Khit Thit Media, the military council's troops have entered villages in Sagaing Township, Sagaing Region, with a large number of forces, detaining over 20 civilians, including women, as human shields and looting valuable property belonging to the public. As a result, thousands of residents from three villages have been forced to flee to safety. The military column, consisting of approximately 150 to 200 soldiers, departed from the vicinity of Kon Ya Kyauk Chi village in Sagaing Township around 6 a.m. on June 29 and entered the villages. Local residents stated that the column briefly occupied the Thut Khaing Taw Ya Gu monastery before entering and raiding Nyaung Pin Sein village and Min Mawe village. Subsequently, over 20 civilians, including women, were detained as human shields. It is reported that among those detained are not only men and women but also elderly individuals. The military has been seen looting valuable items from houses within the villages and loading them onto vehicles. While houses have not yet been set on fire, residents say that troops have been entering and searching houses to confiscate property. Due to the military column's entry, thousands of residents from Nyaung Pin Sein village, Min Mawe village, and Bwe Ta Yar village have fled to safety. A local news source said, "The military column came from the direction of Kon Ya Kyauk Chi village. We heard that vehicles were also seized. They arrived at the Thut Khaing Taw Ya Gu monastery around 6 a.m. and from there, the column entered Nyaung Pin Sein and Min Mawe villages. The column's strength is estimated to be around 150 to 200. Over 20 residents from Nyaung Pin Sein and Min Mawe villages have been detained. We heard that among those detained are men, women, and elderly people. They are reportedly taking valuable items from houses and loading them onto vehicles. So far, there has been no arson of houses. Due to the military column, thousands of residents from Nyaung Pin Sein, Min Mawe, and Bwe Ta Yar villages have fled. Currently, the column remains stationed in Nyaung Pin Sein and Min Mawe villages." It is understood that urgent assistance is needed for the displaced civilians. Photo: An old photo.