Khin-U attacks

Khin-U Township is located in Myanmar's ethnically-Bamar Dry Zone. Following the 2021 Myanmar coup d'état the local population overwhelmingly supported the deposed National League for Democracy, first taking up arms against the State Administration Council junta in March 2021. The Tatmadaw was characterised by allegations of collective punishment and disproportionate force by locals.^[1]

According to monitoring organisation Myanmar Witness, the earliest known claim of an attack in Khin-U Township dates to 29 January 2022, when the Kachin News Group posted an image alleged to be fires near the village of Yauk Thwar Aing on Facebook. Several arson attacks continued to be reported throughout the year and into the next.^[2] Radio Free Asia has also quoted residents of the township as stating that heavy artillery has been used on civilian buildings. As a result of attacks by the Tatmadaw, 6,000 individuals had fled their homes out of fear of reprisals, while an additional 30,000 had been displaced after the destruction of their homes during attacks.^[3]

The involvement of the pro-junta Pyusawhti militias in attacks in the township has also been alleged by locals. According to interviews, members of Pyusawhti militias have participated in the theft of property and food, with the intention of seizing anything that could help the People's Defence Force.^[4]

Local affiliates of the People's Defence Force has made efforts to respond, but operations have been severely hampered by the Tatmadaw's response. In June 2023, PDF soldiers ambushed the Tatmadaw near the town of Khin-U, claiming to kill seven and wound 13 in the ensuing battle before retreating. A drone operator from the PDF was also killed during the battle. Following the battle, the Tatmadaw attacked the village of Ye Aye Kone, destroying three homes and stealing food.^[5]