Myanmar junta soldiers torched Tabeyinkwal Village, in Sagaing Township and damaged about 500 houses on 23 April.

There are about 1,000 houses in Tabeyinkwal Village and this was the third time junta troops had set fire to the village, according to an official from the Sagaing-based Black Eagle (SGG) defence force.

He said: “They set fire to houses, a pagoda and a monastery as well. It’s the third time they have set fire to the village. About 500 [houses] have been burned.”

Junta soldiers started setting fire to the villages of Insa and Taungkyar, also in Sagaing Township, on 21 April.

Then on 22 and 23 April, they marched into the surrounding areas and torched more houses.

Since 21 April Myanmar junta troops have burned down more than 1,000 houses in seven villages, including Mutha, Taung Myothit, Yathit, Yathaung, and Tabeyinkwal.

As well as burning down houses, the junta soldiers have also been arresting locals and using them as human shields, according to Sagaing Township True News.