At Least Three Civilians Killed, Homes Torched During Junta Raid in Chaung-U

Burma News International (BNI) is a network of 15 independent media and news organizations based in and around Burma At least three civilians were killed, 20 others injured, and around 50 residents detained after a junta column raided villages across Chaung-U Township in Sagaing Region between August 29 and September 1, according to local sources and displacement workers. The military column, comprising over 300 troops retreating from recent clashes in neighboring Monywa Township, shelled and opened fire on several communities as it advanced through the area. On August 30, regime forces launched drone strikes around Kyeekan East and Kyeekan West villages, injuring nine civilians, while troops fatally shot a man who encountered the advancing column. The following morning, shelling in Khinmun Village killed a 35-year-old woman and her 70-year-old father instantly. "Regime soldiers retreating from the Monywa fighting entered the village while firing artillery and small arms," a resident told Network Media Group (NMG). "An artillery shell hit the father and daughter, killing them on the spot." The troops also set fire to Shwedarkya Village on August 31 and September 1, destroying at least 10 homes. The column continues to occupy the village while holding an estimated 50 residents who were abducted on August 29. Local sources noted that the military raid followed an August 25 incident in which a local monastery abbot, accused of being a junta informant, died while in the custody of the resistance-run People’s Security Team (PST). Following his death, pro-junta channels called for military retaliation, prompting the deployment of the 300-strong column. The violence has displaced nearly 8,000 civilians across 15 villages in Monywa and Chaung-U townships, forcing residents to seek shelter in nearby forests and hills amid ongoing daily clashes between junta forces and local resistance groups.