Three weeks after the capture of Pinlebu town in Sagaing Region by joint forces of the National Unity Government’s (NUG) Ministry of Defense and the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), displaced local residents are hoping to return home.
Resistance forces seized complete control of Pinlebu on 8 October after months-long siege operations around the town.
Due to fighting near Pinlebu since 2022, more than two-thirds of the town’s population have been displaced, leaving it largely uninhabited for over two years.
A Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) teacher close to resistance forces in Pinlebu Township explained that significant clearance operations would be needed before people can return, citing dangers from landmines, unexploded ordnance, artillery shells, and the town’s long abandonment.
“It’s not safe to live there yet, and no one has moved back. The threat from airstrikes remains a serious concern. As you know, they could bomb at any time, even when people are sleeping. It won’t be easy – the town is extensively damaged.”
Reports indicate that under NUG control, the town’s administrative buildings, hospitals, clinics, government offices, residential homes, and infrastructure have all suffered extensive damage.
A woman from Pinlebu, currently displaced in Mandalay, described how this destruction poses barriers to return: “I heard our house in Pinlebu is gone. I don’t think repairs are possible – we’ll have to rebuild it from scratch.”
While fighting has subsided since the NUG takeover, she expressed ongoing concerns about both the threat of military’s airstrikes and the possibility of having to flee again if the junta launches a counter-offensive.
After announcing the complete capture of Pinlebu on 9 October, NUG Defense Minister U Yee Mon conducted an inspection of the town’s condition.
Pinlebu Township holds strategic importance in Sagaing Region as one of the first areas to mount armed resistance against the military coup.
It is located more than 30 miles from Kawlin Township, the first town captured by the NUG, and is considered militarily significant for the entire Sagaing Region.
Sent by Shanni Voice.