Junta forces left a trail of death and destruction through villages in the northern part of Gangaw Township in Magwe Region from 27 to 29 August, according to the Gangaw Township People’s Administration Force.

Over those three days, a column of 150 junta army soldiers and Pyu Saw Htee militia members killed two people and burned down 79 houses. They also destroyed and burned rice paddy, sesame crops, farm huts, cows, post offices, barnes and motorcycles, according to Gangaw residents.

An official from Gangaw People’s Defence Force (PDF) said: Four villages were burnt down and two IDP camps were destroyed. Almost all the villagers in the northern part of Gangaw Township have been forced to flee.”

According to the statement released by the Gangaw Township People’s Administration Force, an interim National Unity Government (NUG) administration for Gangaw Township: on 27 August the junta forces burned down 14 houses and set fire to a car in Hteihlaw Village.

On 28 August they killed two elderly people, burned down 32 houses and set fire to four cars in Mauk Village before going on to Mauklin Village where they burned down 25 houses.

On 29 August they burned down eight houses in Kyaw Village.

The column that carried out the attacks has now reportedly arrived at the Infantry Battalion 50 base in Gangaw, according to Gangaw residents.

The Gangaw Township People’s Administration Force is still gathering details about the extent of the damage and what exactly happened.