More than 1,000 residents have fled their homes after fighting broke out in Mingoke village in Kyunsu Township, Tanintharyi Region, on the morning of 8 December, according to locals.
The fighting began when the joint People’s Defense Forces (PDFs) launched a major offensive on a military camp where Myanmar Army soldiers and military-backed Pyu Saw Htee militiamen are stationed in Mingoke.
Due to the clashes, over 1,000 people from Mingoke, Maunghlaw, Yataung, Gyoetaung and Waryit villages had to flee to Kyunsu town and other safer places via roads and waterways.
According to the displaced people, almost all the villages fled after hearing sustained shelling from both light and heavy weapons during the fighting.
The fighting, which began around 6 am on 8 December, continued until the afternoon. A PDF Myeik official said the number of casualties was not yet known.
According to the resistance forces, Mingoke village is a stronghold of the Pyu Saw Htee militia backed by the military council.
Also on 16 November, the military council attacked PDF members who had come to shop in Waryin in Kyunsu Township, leaving casualties and residents on both sides.
In Tanintharyi Region, clashes between the Myanmar Army and resistance forces have increased since last month, and there have been more reports of towns being captured, which locals say indicates that the military council is making preparations to defend their territory.
Sent by Than Lwin Times.