An estimated 7,000 local residents have reportedly fled their homes since 17 November due to Military Council troops launching an offensive to the western part of Khin-U Township, Sagaing region.
According to a resident, the Military Council troops drove cattle in front of the military column in case mines have been planted along the way.
According to a local resident, approximately 7,000 local residents from Shwe Yamin, Myothit, Kan Gyi Kone, Thargaya, and Thein Taw in the western part of Khin-U Township have fled as a result of the Military Council's offensive.
"Around 80 troops of the Ye-U Township Military Council entered the villages of Khin-U Township. There was no proper battle at the time. They burned down all the villages along the path of their column, and the villagers fled for their safety," the resident said.
According to the Khin U Local Guerrilla force, they ambushed the junta column near Shwe Yamin village at around 1:00 pm on 17 November, allegedly 10 junta soldiers. The fight lasted about an hour.
According to locals, after the battle, the advancing Military Council column set up camp near Shwe Yamin village at night and then burned down Paunglaelone village in Khin-U Township on 18 November at around 5 pm.
