By Ra Wai / MPA
Approximately 30 civilians have been detained by Myanmar military troops in Magway Region’s Myaing Township after returning to their village to tend to their homes and livestock, according to local activists.
The incident occurred around 08:00 local time on Friday (30 January) when a military column entered Mya Ze Taw village in the southern part of the township.
Residents had reportedly fled the village the previous night to avoid the advancing troops but returned in the morning, believing the soldiers had moved on.
“People fled last night when they heard the column was approaching,” said Saya Htwe from the Anyar Myay Civil Society Organization. “Thinking the troops had left, they went back to cook and feed their cows and pigs. They were arrested unaware that the soldiers were actually entering the village at that time.”
Photo: Anyar Myay Civil Society Organization – Myaing
As of 13:30 on Friday, the troops remained stationed inside Mya Ze Taw village. While there have been no immediate reports of arson, the condition and whereabouts of the detained villagers remain unknown.
The military column, estimated to be around 200 strong and originating from the Pakokku-based Light Infantry Division 101, has been conducting offensive operations across Pakokku and Myaing townships since early January.
Local sources report a pattern of destruction by the unit. On the morning of 28 January, the same column reportedly set fire to a memorial for fallen anti-coup fighters, as well as a monastery housing displaced persons and several temporary shelters, located between Thit Pu Lwe Kone and the pro-military village of Twin Ma.
