An official from the Khin-U Township True News and Information Team stated that, initial reports indicated nearly 8,000 residents have fled to safety as a result of two columns of Military Council troops engaging in military operations within Khin-U Township, Shwebo District.
The news team official commented to NMG, "Arriving in our township yesterday from the Shwebo military training school, the column of over 100 soldiers belonging to Light Infantry Battalion 361, moved towards north of Khin-U during the night. This prompted the communities north of Khin-U to evacuate.
The column has now reached Nar Taung Hla village. Subsequently, the 3,000 local residents who had previously fled, are now preparing to return to their homes."
Starting from August 25, both columns initiated coordinated military operations targeting villages within Khin-U Township. Initially, over 8,000 local residents were compelled to evacuate to ensure their safety.
Among those who have fled, more than 3,000 people are waiting to return home as soldiers from their communities prepare to leave for a different direction. However, as of the morning of August 27, around 5,000 individuals have not yet been able to return to their residences.
"After leaving Ye U and reaching Myin See village in Shwebo, the column changed direction and headed back towards Ye-U. As it needed to cross through Khin-U, it eventually reached Aung Thar village on the southwest side of Khin-U. As a result, more than 5,000 residents from approximately 7 villages surrounding Aung Thar village are still unable to return home and remain in a state of displacement."
One of the two columns was the Light Infantry Battalion 361 unit, which entered Khin-U township on August 24. As military operations were carried out in the vicinity of Pintin village, located in Khin-U township, the inhabitants of Pintin village along with residents from three other nearby villages were compelled to evacuate for their safety.
Furthermore, there is an additional infantry column comprising more than 100 troops from Ye-U. After reaching Myin See village in Shwebo, reports from residents indicate that these troops advanced from Tha Yet Pin Wun village in Shwebo to various villages in the southwest of Khin-U. Throughout this period, from their entry until August 27, they were observed firing artillery shells and small arms.
The same official added, "Even in the absence of a battle, they are firing artillery shells and small arms, forcing residents to flee for safety. There are reports that they are stealing and consuming livestock such as cattle and chickens that belong to the public in Aung Thar village."
With Military Council troops entering Khin-U township and deploying artillery shells and small arms, over 5,000 residents from villages like Kyar Pin Aing, Tha Yet Pin Wun, Nyaung Pin Gyi Su, and Thein Taw—located along the Shwebo-Khin-U border—sought refuge in nearby forests, mountains, and monasteries in other villages.
A military operation took place in Khin-U township on August 22, followed by another operation on August 25. These villages thus witnessed two instances of military operations between the 22nd and 25th of this month. Local inhabitants have complained that frequent military operations have hindered their ability to farm and also have enough food to eat on a regular basis.
