Locals from four villages have fled to safer places as a military column moves towards Ashae Taw area in Dawei Township in Tanintharyi Region, according to resistance forces.
Since around 6 p.m on 18 March, the military column of about 200 soldiers has been advancing towards Pakarri village through Sipinkauk village in Dawei Township, according to locals and resistance forces.
As a result of the junta’s advance, residents from Sipinkauk, Zalun, Laing Taung, and Kadat villages have sought refuge in safer areas.
Although no clashes have occurred due to the advance, a local resistance force official warned that if the situation continues, the fighting between the two sides could escalate, said an official of local-based resistance force.
The advancing military column belongs to Infantry Battalion-402, based in Dawei. Reports indicate that it includes many soldiers who have recently completed their military training.
In early March, the junta’s raids in Thapyar, Pakarri, Bae Mat Tat, Wa Kone, Wa Pyin, and ThinganTone villages in Dawei Township displaced thousands of locals.
Since the coup, over 75,000 people have been displaced due to the ongoing fighting and airstrikes in Tanintharyi Region, according to a report by FE5Thanintharyi.
Sent by Than Lwin Times