18 March 2026 – Members of the Yaw Defence Force (YDF), led by Mr. Myat Thu, are reportedly transporting teak logs from the Yaw region, claiming the timber will be used to construct an office for an allied resistance group.
Initial reports from Yaw Alinn Tan said that at around 4:50 pm on 17 March, a 12-wheel truck carrying teak logs was seen passing through Htilin township from north to south.
Witnesses said the truck was escorted by armed members of YDF in full uniform. The timber was reportedly transported from Gangaw township.
However, the reported extraction and transport of teak logs have raised concerns among some residents and resistance members. Critics said the natural resources of the Yaw region should not be used without consultation with local revolutionary groups and communities.
A member of the local resistance movement said the teak trees in the Yaw region have long been considered public resources and should be managed collectively.
Some residents also expressed frustration, saying that valuable teak from the Yaw region is being removed without consultation. They added that no armed group has questioned the transport, as the convoy was reportedly accompanied by armed personnel. – Reporting by Ben
