Heavy fighting has erupted along the border of Thabaung and Yegyi townships in Myanmar's Ayeyarwady Region.
Local sources report that the military junta is forcibly detaining residents to conscript as new soldiers.
Troops are also seizing civilians' vehicles, including cars, tractors, and ox carts.
The abuses escalated after junta forces suffered heavy casualties.
These losses occurred in the hilly areas along the border of the two townships.
In response, soldiers stormed nearby villages, plundered private property, and captured residents for forced labor.
"The junta is launching an intense offensive," a source from Thabaung Township stated. "They want to regain control of the mountain ranges along the Gwa-Ngathaingchaung Road."
The source noted that troops are commandeering all civilian transport and detaining locals. Fearing for their lives, residents of the villages of Wartawkwin, Kampargyi, and Boedaw have fled.
Clashes also caused severe junta losses near Myauksan Village. This area sits near the foothills of the Arakan Yoma Range in Yegyi Township.
The conflict involves intense fighting between the Arakan Army (AA) and Myanmar junta forces. Tensions have remained high in this border area for nearly a month.
Villagers also face a growing landmine crisis.
Troops have planted landmines on hills near cashew plantations outside Ywarthit Village.
Furthermore, soldiers entered villages to deploy mines without issuing evacuation warnings or safety alerts.
"The soldiers came right into our village and planted landmines," a displaced resident shared. "We had no choice but to flee."
The resident managed to save two oxen but had to abandon an ox cart. "Right now, the junta is seizing civilians to carry military supplies. If you are unlucky, you could end up on the battlefield."
Only a few villagers remain in the affected areas.
Most women and children have taken temporary refuge with relatives in nearby towns. In the abandoned villages, junta troops are living among the remaining population.
Sources confirm that soldiers are forcibly confiscating livestock and household belongings. The military is also forcing the remaining residents to construct frontline military bunkers. Civilians continue to be detained to transport heavy military equipment and supplies through active conflict zones and to serve as recruits for the military.
