Military tensions are rising in Shwegyin (Hsaw Hti) and Kyauktaga Townships in Nyaunglebin District in Bago Region – an area under the control of Karen National Union (KNU) Brigade 3 – after the Myanmar army deployed more troops to the areas, according to local sources.
The Myanmar army’s reinforcement in Peinzaloke town in Shwegyin Township (Hsaw Hti) and Myetye and Nanza villages in Kyauktaga Township came after an unidentified group sabotaged a section of the Yangon-Mandalay railroad line between Peinzaloke and Taw Wi villages on 17 October, according to locals.
“About 100 junta soldiers arrived in Myetye this morning. And they fired artillery on the surrounding areas until today. They are preparing for a clash with the combined KNU force in the area. The junta troops are firing artillery because they don’t know the exact position of the KNU troops. They are waiting for the report from the other side to determine if the casualties are civilians or resistance members. Depending on the results, they will then probably go on the offensive,” said a local woman.
Locals also report military vehicles and troop reinforcements are positioned near the destroyed railroad line near Peinzaloke village.
Many Peinzaloke villagers who fled to Peinzaloke town after artillery fire by the Myanmar army are not free to return to their rice fields during the harvest season. Travel restrictions are so strict that they can only enter or leave the town with passes from the local government, said one local.
“There are not many people left in the village. Most of them have fled to Peinzaloke town. Since most of them are farmers, they have to return during harvest time and come back to spend the night in the town. In the town, they are safe from artillery fire because military council troops are stationed there. But the villages are more dangerous because they are within firing range. That’s why people don’t stay there. It is also not easy for strangers to get around the city. Even the locals need a pass from the administration,” he said.
On 16 October, Myanmar army bases in Peinzaloke town and Taw Wi and Yaekyichaung villages shelled Choninn village with artillery, injuring three residents and livestock.
On the same day, the Peinzaloke-based unit and Light Infantry Battalion 20 fired artillery at Ywarthar and Pyinyaegyi villages, while the Peinzaloke-based unit fired again at farmland near Kharukone village and Yaetwinkone and Taungkhin villages on October 17, damaging two houses, a KNU statement said.
Some train services had to be suspended after the destruction of the section of the Yangon-Mandalay railroad line guarded by military council soldiers on 17 October, Myanma Railways officials said.
Sent by KIC.