Myanmar junta offensive burns 12 villages, displaces thousands in Wetlet Township

Mizzima

Myanmar junta troops have launched a large-scale offensive in Wetlet Township, Sagaing Region, looting property, torching homes, and displacing thousands of residents, according to the Wetlet Township People’s Strike Steering Committee.

Up to 12 villages have been destroyed since the offensive began, the committee said.

Junta forces have reportedly been raiding and setting fire to villages almost daily since 1 November. This follows the arrival at Ywar Thar Gyi village of reinforcements from Sagaing Region-based Light Infantry Division 33.

An official from the Wetlet Township People’s Strike Steering Committee said junta forces burned Hla Taw village in the western part of Wetlet Township from the morning of 11 November until the morning of 12 November.

“At around 10 am on 11 November, they began burning houses in two different locations. This morning, they have begun burning once more. We can’t determine the complete amount of the damage because the area hasn’t been cleared yet,” the official said.

The junta reportedly deployed three separate military columns in Wetlet Township, with the columns torching homes during raids on multiple villages.

According to the committee, the 12 villages already destroyed include Hla Taw, Man Kyi Tong, Myin Taw, Htone Bo, Ywar Taw Kone, Ta Mar Kone, Khaw Taw Tada U, Sai Naing Lay, Muu Gyi, Shwe Kyin, and Lein Pin.