At Least 26 Civilians Killed in Two Months of Myanmar Junta Offensives in Myaing

Ongoing military offensives by the Myanmar junta over the past two months have claimed the lives of at least 26 civilians in Myaing Township, Magway Region, according to local sources and regional civil society organizations. The death toll includes two residents killed on Wednesday morning, July 22, when junta forces stationed in Thinma village launched indiscriminate artillery fire into nearby Wetpho village. According to records compiled by the Anyar Myay Civil Society Organization (Myaing), junta columns killed 24 other villagers during their operations across the township over the past two months. The victims include elderly residents, individuals with mental health conditions, and women. The organization warned that the actual casualty count is likely higher, as communication blackouts remain in effect across several affected areas. Documented civilian fatalities span multiple communities: five each in Htauk Shar Pin and Bawton villages; two each in Kunlat, Meiktila, and Than Chaung villages; and one each in Thazi, Hninsi Kan, Wetpote, Kone, Kannet, Myin Koe Thit, Kaing Taw Ma, and War Yin Chyaing villages. Local organizations have urged residents to maintain high vigilance as junta troops continue their scorched-earth tactics. On the morning of July 22, troops torched Thinma village before advancing into adjacent areas later that afternoon. Arson attacks by junta forces have destroyed at least 180 homes across the region since the operations began in June, forcing residents from at least 14 villages to flee their homes and seek refuge in surrounding areas.