17 February 2026 — A series of robberies has been reported in Htilin town, located in the Yaw region of Magway Region, where the town remains under the control of the military junta.
On 15 February, around 9:00 pm, a group of masked assailants entered a resident’s home, threatened the household with weapons, and stole 300,000 kyats and two mobile phones.
Earlier, on 22 January, unknown individuals broke into the home of a non-CDM bank employee and his wife, taking two gold rings and an undisclosed amount of cash.
Local sources said at least three robbery incidents have occurred in recent weeks. Although residents suspected the identities of the masked robbers, they feared reporting the incidents because the suspects were armed.
Military authorities have taken no action.
Htilin is currently administered by SSPC troops under Division 99, based in Meiktila, who arrived on 7 January 2026. Sources alleged that some newly deployed soldiers were using narcotic drugs.Since 12 February 2023, resistance forces have cut off transportation and communication routes to Htilin.
Most residents have fled to safer areas, leaving mainly military-affiliated families, some elderly residents, and a few households that chose not to relocate. – Reporting by Ben
