More than 5,000 residents from over 10 villages along the border of Khin-U and Kanbalu townships in Sagaing Region have fled their homes as junta forces advance with three separate military columns, according to the Khin-U Township People’s Defence Force (PDF).
The Khin-U Township True News Information Team said the mass displacement began on 11 November following the simultaneous advance of a column of over 100 infantry troops entering from Kanbalu Township and another column of around 80 troops that crossed the Mu River from Ye-U town in the morning and afternoon.
Ko Jo Koe, a member of the Khin-U Township Sector 3 PDF, said a junta column that left its base in Wettoe village, Kanbalu Township, stayed overnight in Nga Yone Gyi village on the evening of 11 November and remained there until the afternoon of 12 November. Another column that departed from Ka Boe Ye Man school in Kanbalu Township has also reached Khin-U Township, he added.
“We are currently rescuing and relocating the people who are caught between the three columns to safe zones. Last night, we were carrying out emergency rescue operations until very late at night,” Ko Jo Koe said this afternoon.
Residents from several villages along the Khin-U–Kanbalu border including Kyauk Tai, Kyi Su, Mone Hla, Thar Wa Hti, Myin Kya, Thayet Taw, Kin Pyit, Kyun Taw Lay (U Yin), Kyun Taw Gyi, Man Gyi Oak, Yar Taw, Myin Daung, Thayet Pin Su, and Thet Thar Pan Daung, are reportedly fleeing the area.
According to Ko Jo Koe, junta columns had not operated in Khin-U Township for some time, but the current offensive began on 11 November.
“I suspect that this is because of a supply shortage in Pyin Htaung village, which is a stronghold of the Pyu Hsaw Htee (a pro-military militia) on the western side of Khin-U. They are either going to resupply them or evacuate the Pyu members there,” he said.
Meanwhile, junta forces conducted airstrikes on Pauk Ai village on the eastern side of Khin-U Township on the evening of 10 November and again on the morning of 11 November, killing one woman and injuring two others, according to the Khin-U Township True News Information Team.
