According to a reliable source close to Ywar Thit residents, approximately 500 individuals are currently trapped in Ywar Thit town, located in Bawlakhe District,
Karenni State. Military Council troops have been stationed in the area since the end of June, and they have imposed restrictions preventing the residents from leaving the town.
a person close to Ywar Thit town residents told the Kantarawaddy Times, “ The Military Council has taken control of the area surrounding the town, and anyone attempting to leave or enter the town is at risk of being shot by the Military Council troops. As a result, those who are trapped in the town are too afraid to leave, and individuals who wish to return are also filled with fear.” adding that, "We have heard that if they spot individuals entering the town, they(the soldiers) will open fire. Similarly if they notice anyone leaving the town, they will also resort to shooting."
In June, two civilians who were preparing to leave the town were killed, and two individuals who were walking into the town were also shot dead by the Military Council troops. According to the local resident, there are reports of people being arrested in the area, although the exact details are still unknown. The resident also mentioned that there may be restrictions on the use of phones, making it difficult for the residents to communicate with those who have remained in the town. "It is impossible to reach them via phone. I don't know any method to reach out to them. It's proving to be extremely difficult," said the resident.
Currently the remaining residents in the town are living together in the monastery and sharing their available food resources. A resident from Ywar Thit, who successfully escaped last month, reported that the Military Council troops currently have control over the area surrounding Ywar Thit town. The resident expressed concerns about the possibility of being trapped in the area for an extended period of time.
"The military strictly prohibits leaving without permission, and anyone who does so risks being shot. On the 11th, we received reports of the arrest of six women. To sustain ourselves, we resorted to bringing food back to our homes and consuming it at the monastery. We acquired food from the shops and sold it to the monastery. At present, there is an adequate supply of medicine and food, but I am deeply concerned about the future when these resources inevitably run out," shared a resident of Ywar Thit town.
Residents near Ywar Thit town reported hearing the sounds of fighting and bombing from warplanes in the distance on July 12.
Currently, the Military Council is reinforcing its troops in Karenni State. Alongside the 44th, 55th, 66th, 77th, and 99th Divisions, additional battalions from the No. 2 Military Operations Command (MOC-2) and (MOC-18) have been deployed to the region, and are attacking in separate columns.
Furthermore, as reported by Irrawaddy News on July 12, the Military Council has deployed its trusted battalions under the 66th Division, such as Infantry Battalion 1 (Minhla, Sitkwin), Infantry Battalion 11 (Waryarchaung), Infantry Battalion 14 (Pyay), Infantry Battalion 35 (Thayarwaddy), Infantry Battalion 80 (Innma), Infantry Battalion 4 (Innma), Light Infantry Battalion 5 (Innma), Light Infantry Battalion 6 (Okpho), Light Infantry Battalion 10 (Sabai), and Light Infantry Battalion 108 (Danubyu), to attack Karenni State.
Reports indicate that Vice Senior General Soe Win is taking charge of the military situation in Karenni State, following the significant losses suffered by the Military Council troops.
