Myanmar junta assault on southern Budalin Township displaces 5,000 civilians

Mizzima

A military column advancing through southern Budalin Township has arrested 15 local residents and triggered a mass displacement, forcing an estimated 5,000 civilians to flee their homes.

A local resident said the military column, consisting of around 70 troops from the Northwestern Regional Command, began entering Budalin Township on 15 May, before arresting local residents on 16 and 17 May.

“Women are among those detained, and so far, we have not heard of anyone being released,” a resident of Budalin Township said.

In addition, the military column has been carrying out suicide drone attacks, forcing residents from seven villages to flee their homes.

“The displaced people are taking refuge in nearby villages because there are no forests or mountains where they can hide. As the days pass, they are struggling to secure food and shelter,” said a local resident displaced by the fighting.