26 May 2026 — Heavy fighting continued in the Kyaukhtu area of the Yaw region as State Security and Peace Commission (SSPC) forces burned Ywar Thar village and killed civilians during ongoing military operations.
According to local sources, the SSPC military column of more than 1,000 troops entered villages along its route and carried out arson attacks while advancing through the area. Troops raided Ywar Thar village, burned homes, and killed one civilian from the village.
Local sources also reported that SSPC troops killed five civilians in Ta Pyin village near the foothills of Pontaung Mountain before entering Ywar Thar village. The victims reportedly included a Buddhist monk, a woman with mental illness, and three other civilians.
According to residents, the total number of civilians killed during the military operation in the Kyaukhtu area has risen to six. Six civilians were killed along the route of the military column.
Although the military column has reportedly withdrawn from the area, details regarding the extent of fire damage and losses inside Ywar Thar village are still being verified.
Video clips showing the burning of houses by SSPC troops:
Due to the military offensive and arson attacks, residents from Ywar Thar village and nearby communities were forced to flee to safer areas. – Reporting by Daniel
