Around 10,000 displaced in Phaungbyin as Myanmar military flotilla moves up the Chindwin River

Mizzima

Around 10,000 residents of Phaungbyin Township, Sagaing Region, have fled their homes due to a military flotilla moving upriver on the Chindwin River, accompanied by airstrikes, according to local sources.

Residents began fleeing on the morning of 14 August at around 9:00 AM. The flotilla includes 27 flat-bottom cargo boats carrying mostly jade and timber and three military vessels, according to local sources.

“Villages on both banks of the river have had to evacuate in advance. Jet fighters are also providing security escort for the convoy. The boats are firing heavy weapons continuously,” said a member of the Phaungbyin Township People’s Administration Team.

During the operation, junta forces carried out three airstrikes using two jet fighters near Thinga and Khawe villages, while a Mi-35 attack helicopter from Homalin Airbase has been conducting airstrikes on Laik Pantha village.

“We were already hit by flooding, and now we have to flee again because of the fighting. Even getting around means wading through mud. Some of the children have fallen ill. We’re sheltering under trees in the forest,” said a displaced resident of Phaungbyin.

Due to the junta’s naval flotilla and airstrikes, more than 10,000 residents from villages including Nan Maw Laik, Myoma, Thazi, Kayar, Kone Taung, Kone Tay, Yay Auk Taung, Maw Pa Lin, Hae Nim, In Paut, Kan Htu Chaung, and Sanga in Phaungbyin Township have been forced to flee their homes.

On 11 August, junta heavy artillery fire from Shwe Bo Nan Pwint Taung, Phaungbyin Township, struck three civilians in Minyar village. One woman was killed.