Myanmar junta forces torch seventeen villages and intensify airstrikes across Mandalay Region

Mizzima

Myanmar junta forces have burned down at least 17 villages in Myingyan and Natogyi townships between 4 and 8 February, forcing tens of thousands of residents to flee without food or shelter.

“They are burning villages continuously without any clashes. At the same time, airstrikes are ongoing in Natogyi and Taungtha areas. Entire villages are going up in flames. We do not know exactly how many houses have been destroyed because no one dares to go back and check. People who have fled have nothing to eat. Many cannot even build temporary shelters with tarpaulins or palm leaves. They are facing extreme hardship,” a member of the Myingyan Township humanitarian relief group said told Mizzima.

Local humanitarian groups report that the destruction occurred despite the absence of active clashes in the area, with soldiers targeting communities including Ywagyi Ywathit, Nyaungsin, and Tansaung.

The regime forces are reportedly burning villages in the two townships, including Ywagyi Ywathit, Nyaungsin, Wetlu, Pechat, Myawaddy, Kyundaung, Kadaung, Shwepyitar, Khansatgone (East and West), Kyarkan, Nathnyun, Dargyun, Pattar, Pyidawthar, Yegone, Shwepyiaye, and Tansaung.

According to local residents, tens of thousands of people from these villages have fled to other areas and are struggling to find food and shelter.

Village burnings in Myingyan and Natogyi township, have intensified since 2022. The Myingyan Township humanitarian group said the destruction escalated further during the election period, when villages were torched with greater force.

Following the third phase of the election in late January, the military has increased troop deployments and carried out sporadic attacks on villages, the group added.

Meanwhile, on 31 January in Natogyi Township, a 13-year-old girl from Min village was reportedly abducted for two days and raped by police and soldiers before being released, according to the Myingyan Township humanitarian group.

In addition, residents said Taungtha Township in Myingyan District has been subjected to air attacks by helicopters and jet fighters since early February.