Junta Forces Abduct Civilians as Human Shields in Kyaik Hto, Mon State

July 24, 2024

HURFOM: At least 10 local villagers have been abducted and used as human shields by military junta troops advancing towards Kyaik Hto Township, Thaton District, which is under the control of KNU Brigade 1, according to local sources.

Since July 18, a regiment of over 200 soldiers has been operating through the villages in KNU Kyaik Hto Township, conducting a so-called “clearance operation.” As the troops move from village to village, they have been arresting locals they encounter along the way, including residents of Zee Pyaung and Pain Ne Kone villages, using them as human shields.

“They are abducting everyone they meet on their way. As of now, we know of more than 10 people. Most of them are villagers from Zee Pyaung and Pain Ne Kone. None of them have been released yet,” reported a local from Pain Ne Kone.

The junta troops are currently stationed in the Zee Pyaung village tract and have been continuously shelling nearby villages with artillery day and night. This offensive has forced thousands of residents from Pain Ne Kone, Mae Yone Lay, Pyin Ka Toe Kone, and Zee Pyaung villages #1 through #6 to flee their homes.

“The troops have not left yet. It has been reported that local villagers are being arrested as human shields. None of them have been freed yet. We are still investigating,” said Padoh Saw Aye Naing, Secretary of KNU Thaton District.

In June, the junta troops also launched an offensive and shelled KNU Kyike Hto Township, resulting in mass displacement due to severe human rights abuses. According to statements from KNU Thaton District, over 12,000 residents have been displaced from Kyaik Hto Township this year alone due to the junta’s human rights violations, and they have not been able to return to their homes to date.

Written by HURFOM · Filed Under News