Myanmar junta extends Kani offensive, detaining teenagers as thousands flee

Mizzima

A military junta column operating in southern Kani Township, Sagaing Region, arrested two 15-year-old youths who were attempting to return to their homes, local residents reported.

The detentions took place on the evening of 20 May, near Chaung Ma village. The two teenagers were intercepted by junta outposts as they tried to re-enter neighbouring Thint Win village, believing it was safe to return. Witnesses reported hearing continuous gunfire around the time the youths were apprehended.

The arrests come amid a deliberate strategy by junta forces to pacify the region and re-establish administrative control. Troops temporarily stationed at outposts in Chaung Ma and Thamin Chan villages have been actively coaxing displaced populations to return to their homes. While some elderly residents have complied, local resistance sources warn that the invitations are a calculated tactic.

“The junta troops are persuading residents to return and live in the villages. Once many locals return to live in the villages where troops are stationed, village and ward administrators could be appointed by the military. Meanwhile, they are arresting young people as soon as they see them,” said a member of a resistance force based in Yinmarbin District.

The junta troops began launching military column offensives into Kani Township on 2 May. As of now, the number of arrested individuals has reached 12, and approximately 18,000 local civilians from 10 villages have been forced to flee their homes as war refugees.

Local sources state that the junta forces are currently launching offensives with full military strength into Budalin, Yinmarbin, and Salingyi townships, which share borders with Kani Township.