More than 10,000 residents of villages in the east of Wetlet Township in Shwebo District, Sagaing Region, have had to flee their homes and are in dire need of food and medicine.

Junta soldiers have raided at least eight villages along the Mandalay to Myitkyina railway line.

According to Ko Zayar Lwin, a representative from the 96 Soldiers People’s Defence force (PDF), more than 200 junta soldiers have been conducting raids on the villages since ongoing repair work started on the railway line.

He said that since 10 August, the raids had resulted in more than 10,000 people from about 3,000 households to flee. Currently, they are staying in fields and are in urgent need of food and medicine.

Ko Zayar Lwin said: "As the duration of the displacement increases, the primary needs are rice, oil, salt, waterproof materials, and medicines. Disturbingly, those who attempted to return to the village due to food shortages have reportedly been killed by the military junta. Regrettably, the current death toll stands at around 10.”

He also added that anyone who wants to help the displaced villagers should contact 96 Soldiers PDF via Facebook and Messenger.