Massive arson campaign by Myanmar junta troops leaves seven Sagaing villages in ruins

Mizzima

Myanmar junta troops launched an offensive and set fires across seven villages in the eastern part of Yinmabin Township, Sagaing Region, resulting in the destruction of more than 200 houses destroyed and burnt down, according to local sources.

Starting from 17 December, a military column with a strength of over 100 personnel launched set fire to homes in the Kyauk Maw village tract of Yinmabin Township.

“Well-built houses were also destroyed in the fire. Even the houses that weren’t burned were thoroughly ransacked. There are also some houses that were set on fire but did not burn down completely,” said a local man from Kyauk Maw.

During the incident, it is reported that 25 houses in Kyauk Maw village, 34 in Kyun Paw village, 36 in Hnaw Pin village, 67 in Kyauk Kone village, 49 in In Pat village, 16 in Kyet Lya village, and two houses in Pan Tein Pyin village were lost in the arson.

These villages are located in the western portion of the Northwestern Regional Military Command. It is an area where residents are frequently displaced, and more than 10 people have been killed due to heavy artillery fire.

Locals reported that they are facing housing difficulties due to arson attacks by military column and are in urgent need of blankets and warm clothing.