Seven villagers were killed by junta troops following intense fighting between the junta army and defence forces in Aukkyarkhin Village, in Bago Region’s Phyu Township on 9 August.

People’s defence forces (PDFs) led by the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) attacked junta troops in Aukkyarkhin Village. But, after they withdrew the junta soldiers murdered six villagers.

An official from the Yoma Column defence force said: “An estimated 100 rounds of artillery were fired by the military council between 5:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. on 9 August. However, in the afternoon, our side made the decision to withdraw our troops.”

The same soldier then said that six villagers who had been unable to leave Aukkyarkhin Village and escape the fighting were brutally killed by junta troops. Five of the victims had their throats slit and one was burned to death.

The junta troops then set fire to Aukkyarkhin Village, but currently, it is not known how much damage the junta fires have caused.

Mizzima is investigating the exact number of villagers killed by the junta and details of the damage caused to the village.