Massive Myanmar junta offensive in southern Kani forces 8,000 to flee amid drone strikes

Mizzima

A military column of approximately 500 junta troops launched a large-scale sweep through southern Kani Township on Tuesday, forcing an estimated 8,000 residents from seven villages to abandon their homes.

The offensive began around 7:00 am on 28 April, as the column moved from Tayawkyin village in Yinmabin Township toward Chaung Ma village in Kani. The force, which reportedly originated from the Northwestern Command and moved through the Banbwekone military base, is advancing in two separate lines, a tactic residents say makes evacuation nearly impossible.

“The troops are advancing in two lines, blocking escape routes. It’s raining lightly, making the situation even worse. Families are trying to build makeshift shelters using carts and three-wheeled motorcycles,” a local resident told Mizzima.

While no direct ground engagements were reported by midday Tuesday, local revolutionary groups confirmed that the military is conducting active drone strikes to clear the path for the infantry.

Residents from Linponyay, Chaung Ma, Thintwin, and Laeshay villages are among those currently displaced.

In response to the two-day surge in military activity across the Yinmabin–Kani border, resistance forces have temporarily closed the Kani–Yargyi–Monywa road to civilian traffic.

Revolutionary sources stated they are monitoring the column’s position in Chaung Ma but declined to provide further details on their own tactical movements for security reasons.