Since the first week of March, the military council’s troops have been threatening locals by firing 79mm grenade launchers while patrolling with numerous soldiers in Bilin Township, Thaton District, Brigade-1 territory under the Karen National Union (KNU), according to sources from the Bilin resistance forces.
A military column of around 100 soldiers is conducting patrols between Tha Pyay Ni, Zee Kone, Hpoe War Thein, Ahlu, and Win Pyan villages along the Yangon-Mawlamyine road in Bilin Township. Villagers are reportedly terrified as grenade launchers are being fired towards their temporary shelters.
A member of the Bilin-based resistance force said: “The troops are stationed in the toddy palm farms between the villages. Last night, the junta troops fired three rounds of 79mm grenades again. The firing is intended to intimidate. The shells did not land in the village, but heavy shells landed near it, causing fear among the villagers. People from some villages no longer sleep at home at night.”
Local sources said the military council troops are advancing by patrolling the villages in shifts. The column also includes armed militia forces.
“They are focusing more on villages close to the road. Yesterday, one column was advancing in Winpyan village, and another near the plywood factory in Ahlu. We have to be cautious of drone strikes or further military advances. I’m not sure if they’re doing this because some soldiers from hideouts near the villages often defect,” said a local from Ahlu, who wished to remain anonymous.
In connection with this, some junta soldiers who frequently conduct ambush patrols along the highway have defected. Additionally, more junta soldiers from the camp on the Thabyayni steel bridge have also defected, according to locals and resistance members.
Similarly, as the junta column patrolled Inga Po, Kyauk Tan, and Me Yone Lay villages in Kyaikto Township, within Brigade-1 territory, in recent days, locals have been forced to remain vigilant of their movements. Some have taken refuge in upland farms, according to sources from Kyaikto Township.
Sent by KIC