Myanmar’s junta has intensified its attacks in the resistance strongholds of Sagaing and Magwe regions by razing around 100 villages this month.
The Irrawaddy estimates that more than 7,000 houses in 97 villages were burned down in the two regions so far this month
Tens of thousands of residents have been displaced.
Ye-U, Khin-U, Myaung, Yinmabin, Salingyi, Mingin, Kani, Taze, Shwebo, Wetlet, Kale and Tabayin townships in Sagaing Region have been raided by junta troops and more than 6,000 houses were burned down.
About 10,000 civilians from Yesagyo Township in Magwe have been displaced and at least 63 killed during junta raids in May.
Ko Zay, head of the Salingyi Special Taskforce, told The Irrawaddy that the regime wants to break up civilian administrative networks while the junta cannot extend control beyond a few cities.
He said: “They well know Magwe and Sagaing are under the command of the National Union Government. They are resistance strongholds. That is why regime troops target them.”
People’s defence forces from Sagaing and Magwe regions lack the military experience and support networks of the ethnic armed forces, he said.
By torching civilian houses, they try to stop public donations to resistance forces and the resistance groups weaken each day, Yay Lae Kyaun PDF said in a statement.
