09/05/2022 Myanmar (International Christian Concern) – Since launching a new offensive in Myanmar’s Sagaing region two weeks ago, the Burmese military has reportedly been wreaking havoc. According to Radio Free Asia, the Burmese military, known as the Tatmadaw, burned down more than 500 houses in 11 days in the northern townships of Kawlin, Kanbalu, and Kyunhla.  

Furthermore, local sources reported that the military had torched around 50 villages since August 22, internally displacing more than 20,000 people. Dozens of people have been killed in the violence over the past two weeks.  

According to a local National League for Democracy (NLD) leader, “Eight unidentified bodies were found on Aug. 23 near [Kyunhla’s] Tei Pin Seik village. They might have been burned to death or killed by heavy weapons. We cannot confirm anything yet.” 

Additionally, the spokesperson said three fighter jets fired at Kawlin township’s Thit Seint Kone village around midnight the same day, stating that “five villagers were hit and only one survived.” 

A statement from a branch of the grassroots pro-democracy People’s Defense Force announced that around 40 Tatmadaw troops were killed in a skirmish near Kawlin township on August 22-23.  

The Tatmadaw has controlled Myanmar since it deposed its democratically elected government in the February 2021 coup. ICC has reported extensively on the campaign of violence it has waged against Burmese civilians to maintain power. Religious minorities, including Christians, have faced heightened levels of violence from the military.  

Please pray for those suffering from violence in Myanmar.  

For interviews, please contact: [email protected]