Two civilians from Bilin Township, Mon State, remain missing after they were arrested and taken away by a military junta column during an operation near Tettukone village, according to local sources.
On July 5, a joint military junta column of more than 100 troops raided a Karen National Union (KNU) trade checkpoint in Tettukone village.
During the operation, junta troops reportedly beat and arrested two men before taking them away. The detainees were identified as a truck driver transporting goods and Khun Htet Oo, a resident of Tettukone village.
The military column also seized goods and vehicles before setting them on fire, local sources said.
“The military column arrested two people. They also burned vehicles and goods. We still have no information about the two men who were taken away,” a local resident told IMNA.
According to residents, junta troops also broke into homes and grocery shops between Tettukone and Kyetchaykhat villages, confiscated property, and burned down at least six houses.
The military column also clashed with joint forces led by the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) during its operation in the area.
The Karen National Union (KNU) said military operations and clashes in Bilin Township have caused civilian casualties and damage to homes and property, while also creating serious security concerns for local communities.
Fighting continues in Bilin Township, where military junta airstrikes and artillery attacks have reportedly killed and injured civilians. Tens of thousands of residents have also been displaced by the ongoing conflict.
