More than 12,000 villagers fled into nearby forests as junta columns advanced in Pauk Township, Magway Region, according to the Humanitarian Department of the resistance-run Pauk Township People's Administration.
Nearly 500 soldiers from the Directorate of Defence Industry 22 (the junta’s Weapon Factory 22) in Seikphyu Township, Magway Region, along with local junta-aligned Pyusawhti militia members, advanced into Pauk Township in three columns on November 3.
The columns have been looting and torching homes in villages along their advance, the Humanitarian Department reported on November 4. As a result, more than 3,000 households, over 12,000 residents from 19 villages in Pauk Township were forced to flee into nearby forests to seek refuge.
“Residents said that houses in Ohntawtaungsu Village, east of Pauk Town, were set on fire on November 3,” said a source close to the Pauk Township People's Administration.
The junta columns are carrying out operations to fully regain control of the southern, northern, and western parts of Pauk Township and eliminate resistance forces in key strategic areas, according to resistance military sources.
“The junta forces are advancing toward Seikphyu, seemingly aiming to weaken the resistance strongholds and open a new front,” a military analyst noted.
The junta columns included troops from Directorate of Defence Industry 22 as well as three battalions from one of the junta’s main combat units, Light Infantry Division 99 (LID 99).
About a week ago, the Yaw Revolution Front (YRF) ambushed these junta forces, killing several soldiers, capturing three alive, and seizing weapons and ammunition, resistance sources reported.
The Pauk Township People’s Administration also said that humanitarian assistance is urgently needed for the displaced population.
The junta is conducting military operations nationwide to reclaim lost territories, deploying large numbers of troops and carrying out daily shelling, arson, and drone attacks on civilian areas in resistance-held regions.
photo credit - CJ
