Title: Myanmar’s Military Embarks on Operation to Drive Out Pro-Democracy Activists
Myanmar’s armed forces have initiated a campaign to dislodge pro-democracy rebels from a disputed central territory, causing nearly 10,000 locals to seek safety, according to residents and a humanitarian aid worker on Thursday.
Despite significant losses suffered by the military junta forces in past year’s battles, the army commander has pledged to regain the territories lost during the dry season. This is when the army can navigate their heavy-duty vehicles on the desiccated roads leading to the rebel-held areas.
A humanitarian worker, preferring anonymity due to security concerns, shed light on the tense circumstances in Kyunhla township, located 108 miles northwest of Mandalay. “Their security is at stake and they cannot return to their homes. We’re monitoring the situation and standing by,” the worker revealed.
The worker informed Radio Free Asia that about 200 soldiers belonging to the junta had attacked over 10 villages in the township as part of an aggressive campaign that started eight days ago. Locals reported instances of homes being set ablaze and soldiers taking over residences.
Kyunhla is situated in Sagaing, a region which is home to the majority of the Burman community. This region has been a hotbed of violence since pro-democracy activists formed militias to combat the military following the 2021 coup.
Attempts to contact the junta spokesperson for Sagaing, Nyan Wing Aung, went unanswered at the time of reporting.
The humanitarian worker explained that many villagers had sought refuge in the forests adjacent to their farmlands. “Provided they have rice, oil, and salt, they’ll manage. However, the weather is quite cold currently, and those suffering from fever require blankets and medication,” the worker added.
The United Nations announced on Wednesday that the number of displaced people in Myanmar has exceeded 3.4 million, an increase of 250,000 over recent months. This is due to the ongoing conflict, severe floods in July and September, and economic breakdown.
The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs further highlighted the challenges posed by high inflation, severe currency devaluation, and trade disruptions because of the conflict and border closures by neighboring countries. These factors have resulted in reduced access to essential commodities, adding to the strain on communities.
Myanmar has only received $279 million, representing a mere 28% of the funding requested for 2024. “Without timely additional funding, the escalating crisis will thrust more people into extreme hardship, exacerbate vulnerabilities, and impede the potential for recovery for millions across Myanmar,” warned the office.
[Translator: Kiana Duncan, Edited by RFA Staff]
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