More than 12,000 civilians have been forced to flee their homes in Pauk Township, Magway Region, after a large military column allegedly killed two civilians and set fire to multiple villages.

The incidents began on October 29, when a military column of over 300 troops reportedly a combined force from battalions 109, 419, and 14 under the 99th Division advanced from the KaPaSa 22 military base. According to local sources and the Pauk Township Humanitarian Department, the soldiers arrested and killed two men: Ko Shwe Min, in his 30s, and Ko Kyaw Naing Tun, in his 40s, Khit Thit Media reported. 

On October 31, the column reached the Pathein-Monywa road and entered Chek Kan village, where they reportedly occupied the local school. That same morning, the troops allegedly set fire to approximately seven civilian homes in the village.

The column reportedly split on November 1, moving towards Pin Taung and Dee Doke Kwin, villages known to host allied Pyu Saw Htee (pro-military) militias.

By November 3, the military force had allegedly joined with the militias, swelling its numbers to an estimated 500 personnel. This reinforced group then split into three separate columns and continued to raid and burn other villages in the area.

As a result of the ongoing military operations, a significant humanitarian crisis is unfolding. Officials report that over 12,000 people from more than 3,000 households across 19 villages have fled into nearby forests and hills for safety.

"The troops... are the ones who came from KaPaSa 22 in October," a local resident told Rangoon Khit Thit News. "They have joined with local Pyu Saw Htee and are conducting raids. Tens of thousands of people are fleeing... Everyone is running for safety as they continuously raid the villages."

BOB Post