In Yebyu Township, Tanintharyi Region, resistance forces arrested and detained six oil palm plantation workers on accusations of having links to the junta.

On August 23, resistance forces detained six employees and a family member of an oil palm plantation owned by the junta-controlled Myanma Economic Holdings Limited (MEHL) in Gangawtaung Village, part of the Kanpauk Village Tract, according to Yebyu Township residents.

That morning, resistance forces raided a house near the plantation and train station in Gangawtaung Village where a funeral was taking place, arresting more than 20 people. While the other villagers were released later that evening, the MEHL staff remained in custody.

“We're still investigating those we're holding because we believe they have links to the junta. If we're sure they're innocent, we'll release them. We've already let go of others who weren't involved,” said a spokesperson for the People’s Defence Force (PDF)-led resistance coalition operating in the area.

A Gangawtaung resident also confirmed that about 20 villagers were released on the evening of August 23.

The palm oil plantation is situated on Kaleinaung-Kanpauk Road and also has a palm oil refinery. Most of its employees are former military personnel who previously served the junta.

According to locals, junta troops combed the nearby forests in search of plantation workers detained by resistance forces.

The resistance forces spokesperson said the plantation workers are being held temporarily while the coalition conducts military operations in the area around Kaleinaung-Kanpauk Road.

Currently, villagers living near the oil palm plantation and train station are being evacuated due to troop movements from both sides in the area.

Similarly, residents of Phachaung Village, located near the plantation, are temporarily leaving their homes for fear that junta troops might arrive.