The Yaw Defence Force (YDF) on May 25 urged residents of southern Chin State and Yaw Township in neighboring Magway Region to evacuate to safer areas as soon as possible amid escalating fighting in the region.

As reports emerge of junta troops entering Yaw Township and allegedly forcibly detaining residents to use as human shields, conscripting young men, and sexually assaulting women, the Yaw Defence Force (YDF) warned locals to evacuate immediately to safer areas.

In recent days, junta forces have deployed thousands of troops and launched an offensive into southern Yaw Township and southern Chin State. The junta has also carried out heavy airstrikes and extensive artillery shelling along the frontlines.

The YDF and allied resistance forces have also deployed large numbers of troops to halt the advance, and fierce clashes continue in the area.

Because the junta has been carrying out indiscriminate artillery shelling and airstrikes without distinguishing between military and civilian targets, and has conducted inhumane and reckless attacks, the YDF urged the public to evacuate to safer areas, construct bomb shelters in advance, and closely monitor security situation updates.