More than 2,000 civilians from seven villages remain displaced in Katha Township, Sagaing Region, after a series of Myanmar junta raids and arson attacks in resistance-held territory.
Villagers said around 80 junta troops have torched houses in three villages, Inn Da Yant, Bant Bway Kone and Done Awt, since August 27.
“They are still in our village so we cannot return,” an Inn Da Yant villager said.
The troops were from Light Infantry Battalion 121, which was stationed in neighboring Shan State, according to resistance forces.
Residents said at least 100 houses were burned down in Inn Da Yant by the same infantry troops in early August.
Fighting reportedly erupted between junta troops and resistance forces near Inn Da Yant on August 29.
Junta troops suffered casualties after resistance groups used a landmine to ambush a convoy, transporting food and ammunition near New Ni Aing village on August 30, according to Katha People’s Defense Force.
A resistance member claimed at least eight soldiers were killed and 11 injured during the ambush.
The Irrawaddy was unable to verify the junta casualties.
At least two civilians, including a child, were killed by junta shelling in Katha on August 3 when a junta flotilla of nine vessels passed through the area along the Ayeyarwady River.
Thousands of villagers from nine villages fled their homes in early August when junta troops occupied the area before the arrival of the flotilla.
Sources reported that Light Infantry Battalion 121 previously advanced into the area, killing at least five Inn Da Yant villagers in late July.
