Myanmar Junta Troops Sick with COVID-19 After Sagaing Raids: Resistance

By The Irrawaddy 27 August 2021

Junta troops deployed in Myaung Township, Sagaing Region, are sick with COVID-19 and at least two soldiers have died after showing symptoms, said the township People’s Defense Force (PDF).

Junta troops have been conducting raids in Sagaing and Magwe regions since last week with two military units arriving in Myaung Township on Saturday.

Around 50 members of a 60-strong junta squad are sick, a PDF member told The Irrawaddy. “They have been sick since they entered our township. They had to wade through water where there were no boats. The villagers won’t feed them and they can’t easily get medicines. We heard two died and one is on oxygen support. We suspect it is COVID-19,” said the PDF member.

Thousands of villagers in the east of the township along the Ayeyarwady River and west along the Chindwin River have fled following junta raids.

“They sought help from villagers and looked for medics. They stole chickens to eat. No one is helping them. We suspect that they are infected with coronavirus. The military unit with sick soldiers is still in Nabet whereas another detachment has returned to its camp in Myaung,” said a villager.

Junta forces have been raiding villages in Tabayin, Mingin, Myaung, Yinmabin and Kani townships in Sagaing and Yesagyo and other townships in Magwe, attacking resistance bases, detaining civilians and looting. They also reportedly used residents as human shields when raiding villagers.

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