At least 70 civilians remain in military custody following a brutal raid in Nyaunglebin Township, despite a major rescue operation that successfully liberated over 300 people, local resistance sources have confirmed.
Between 7 and 8 March, a coalition of revolutionary forces launched a five-hour operation to free villagers from the settlements of Yay Twin Kone, Kharu Kone, and Kyaung Kone. While hundreds were brought to safety, an official from the Royal Peacock Battalion told the Myanmar Pressphoto Agency (MPA) that dozens of others are still being held at a local school in Yay Twin Kone.
“The fighting lasted about five hours until the initial group was rescued,” the official stated. “However, we believe about 70 civilians are still trapped inside. The military continues to strike the villages with drones, aircraft, and heavy artillery as of Sunday night.”
The rescue mission involved a broad coalition of resistance groups, including several battalions from the People’s Defence Force (PDF) and elite units from the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA). The operation came at a high cost, with 11 resistance fighters reported killed and seven others seriously wounded. Casualty reports from the military side suggest over 10 soldiers were killed and at least 20 injured during the clashes.
The military’s conduct during the raid has drawn fierce condemnation from the shadow National Unity Government (NUG). In a statement released on 9 March, the NUG alleged that a 100-strong military column led by the 77th Light Infantry Division used the 300 detainees as human shields.
The report further claims that over 40 civilians, including three children, a pregnant woman, and several elderly residents, were killed or tortured during the initial occupation of the villages.
Those who were successfully rescued are currently receiving medical treatment, though their specific health conditions have not been disclosed. As the military continues to deploy airstrikes and heavy weaponry in the area, fears are mounting for the lives of those still held captive in what analysts describe as an increasingly desperate and violent tactic by the junta to maintain control in Bago Region.
