The junta army has set fire to Shatpon village in Tanintharyi Region’s Palaw Township since the morning of January 19, the locals informed Than Lwin Times.

Following a battle between regime forces and PDFs in Shatpon village over the last few days, reinforced junta troops began burning down uninhabited houses on the outskirts of the village yesterday.

At the moment, nine houses have been destroyed by fire, and the residents are hiding in gardens and other safe places.

According to local residents, the military regime is still stationed in Shatpon village, burning down the empty homes when there is no fighting.

The People’s Defense Forces attacked a camp on January 16 where soldiers and Pyu Saw Htee members were stationed, resulting in the deaths of four military personnel and the confiscation of some weapons and related equipment.

Yesterday morning, the junta troops marching towards Toywa village, Pala town in Palaw Township were attacked by the joint force of PDFs with mines, and the situation of the casualties is still being investigated, an official from Battalion 1 (Myeik District) said.

Since the first week of January, tensions between the military council in Palaw Township, Tanintharyi Region, have risen, with frequent skirmishes.