Junta troops conducting operations along the highway linking Kale (Kalay) in Sagaing Region and Gangaw in Magway Region have advanced into neighboring Chin State and carried out arson attacks in Harkharlay Village, Falam Township.

Junta troops advancing along the Kale-Gangaw Road to retake resistance-held areas captured Natchaung and Chaunggwa villages in Kale Township. After leaving some soldiers to guard the villages, the remaining troops raided Harkharlay Village on the evening of October 31, setting several houses on fire.

“The junta troops still left in Natchaung are continuing to burn houses. As of November 1, we still don’t know how many homes in Harkharlay have been destroyed. Soldiers remain stationed in Natchaung, Natmyaung, and Harkharlay, while other units that led the advance have already pushed forward to Yangyiaung and Thanpho villages in Kale Township,” said a resistance frontline source.

Junta troops remain stationed in Harkharlay Village for now. If they continue advancing along the route toward Waibula Mountain, they could potentially reach Falam Town.

More than 30,000 residents from at least 36 villages have fled their homes as the junta launches major operations to reclaim resistance-held areas along the Kale-Gangaw Road, south of Kale Town.