Ground sources report that thousands of locals have fled amid ongoing clashes between the military council and resistance forces near the Dawei Special Economic Zone in Yebyu Township, Tanintharyi Region.
Fighting between more than 100 junta troops advancing toward the Dawei deep-sea port and the joint resistance forces, has been ongoing since 24 March.
Over 3,000 locals from more than 10 villages, including Le Shaung, Htein Gyi, Pa Ra Dat, Kha Maung Chaung, and Aye Ka Ni, have been displaced due to the ongoing fighting.
At least five junta soldiers were killed and four People Defense Forces (PDF) members were injured in the fighting, according to PDF members.
The advancing military council troops are the same forces that have been invading villages in the Nabule area with 200 members since 13 March.
Since Russia agreed to invest in the Dawei Special Economic Zone on 13 March, the military council has been steadily reinforcing its troops in the area.
According to a report by the local research group FE5 Tanintharyi that over 68,400 people were displaced in Tanintharyi Region in February due to fighting between the military council and resistance forces, as well as airstrikes.
Sent by Than Lwin Times
