Myanmar junta forces loot and burn houses in Kani township, displacing 15,000 civilians

Mizzima

Myanmar troops conducting raids in southern Kani Township burned down four houses and abducted ten local residents in Thamin Chan Village, forcing approximately 15,000 civilians from multiple villages to flee their homes.

According to local sources, a junta column advancing from Chaung Ma Village toward Kani town entered Thamin Chan Village on 12 May. Troops temporarily stationed themselves in the village before setting fire to the residential properties.

“Four houses were completely burned to the ground,” a resident of Thamin Chan Village told Mizzima. “The junta troops looted every house in the village without exception. They took away everything, including rice, cooking oil, and furniture, using carts and vehicles.”

The ten individuals detained during the raid were displaced civilians captured while attempting to flee the advancing military column. While elderly detainees were subsequently released, younger residents were forced to accompany the military unit as it advanced.

The junta column has since departed Thamin Chan Village and is reportedly moving toward Sone Chaung Village in neighbouring Yinmabin Township.

The troops are utilizing cars, motorcycles, and 18 civilian bullock carts to transport the looted property.

A separate unit from the same column has reportedly arrived at Pan Hsine Village in Kani Township.

The ongoing military operations have triggered a localized humanitarian crisis, forcing around 15,000 residents from Chaung Ma, Thint Win, Thamin Chan, Mu Htaw, and Ta Zel Chaung villages to abandon their homes. Displaced communities are currently facing severe shortages of food, shelter, and basic necessities.