3 July 2026 – More than 10,000 civilians from 16 villages in Pauk township, Magway Region, have been displaced following a military offensive by the State Security and Peace Commission (SSPC), according to local sources.
The Pauk Township Department of Social Affairs, Labour and Humanitarian Affairs under the National Unity Government (NUG) reported that 2,064 households, comprising 10,171 people, have fled their homes and are currently sheltering in nearby villages and forested areas.
According to local sources, a military column of approximately 500 troops from Division 101, based in Pakokku, entered Pauk township on 30 June after advancing through Myaing and Pakokku townships. Residents said villages along the Pathein–Monywa Road in northeastern Pauk township have been largely evacuated as the military column continues its advance.
Local sources said the military column is believed to be advancing toward Yaypyar Police Station and Kokkole village, both reportedly under the control of resistance forces. Civil society groups have urged residents in surrounding communities to prepare for possible displacement should the military operation continue.
Humanitarian officials warned that displaced families are in urgent need of food and other essential assistance. The township humanitarian department has appealed to humanitarian organisations, donors, and local communities to provide emergency support through local aid networks.
The latest offensive follows intensified military operations in the area after resistance forces reportedly attacked an Mi-17 military helicopter that had landed in Twinma village, Myaing township, on 23 June. Since then, local residents said the military has increased both ground operations and aerial attacks across Pauk and Myaing townships.
Local sources also alleged that the same military column was previously responsible for burning Myit Chay town, killing more than 40 civilians, and separately killing at least six civilians, including a man with a mental health condition, in Myaing Township. These allegations could not be independently verified.
According to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), more than 3.7 million people have been internally displaced across Myanmar since the 2021 military takeover, including approximately 280,000 people in Magway Region as of 8 June 2026. – Reporting by Ben
