The junta abducted eight locals from two villages in Na Bu Lel Village Tract, Yebyu Township, Tanintharyi Region, releasing four while still holding the others, locals confirmed.

On the morning of August 2, junta troops stationed at the deep-sea port in the Dawei Special Economic Zone (SEZ) raided Pa Ra Dat and Ma Yin Gyi villages in Na Bu Lel, seizing eight male villagers.

Since then, four have been released, but as of the evening of August 5, the remaining four remain in detention.

“One of the villagers who was released told us that the soldiers took them away blindfolded. When they got to the base, the soldiers questioned them, asking if they knew any members of the People's Defense Force (PDF). They were beaten with ropes during the interrogation. The soldiers also asked about the PDF’s activities and where their camps were located. When the villagers were finally released, they were blindfolded again,” a Pa Ra Dat villager said.

The eight abducted by junta troops included two villagers from Ma Yin Gyi and six from Pa Ra Dat. Among them, one Ma Yin Gyi villager and three Pa Ra Dat villagers were released on August 4.

All the released individuals reported that the soldiers interrogated them about what they knew regarding the PDF troops and subjected them to torture.

During the raids on August 2, junta troops initially arrested more than 20 people, but only eight male villagers were taken to their base at the deep-sea port, while women and elderly individuals were allowed to go free.

The families of the four individuals still held by junta troops remain deeply worried about their safety.