In Dawei District, Tanintharyi Region, the military junta troops have continued to set entire villages on fire, destroying homes, according to those assisting internally displaced people (IDPs) and human rights activists.
In September, 31 houses in Pa Law Township were set on fire. The military junta troops also incinerated around 60 homes in three villages—Maung Mae Shaung, Sakhan Gyi, and Yin Bote—in Dawei Township. They even looted valuable belongings from the residents before burning the houses.
According to Nai Awe Mon, Director of the Human Rights Foundation of Monland (HURFOM), the military council deliberately destroyed villages, homes, and food supplies to prevent locals from supporting resistance groups. This scorched-earth tactic has been systematically implemented.
“In areas with the presence of the People’s Defense Forces (PDF) or the KNU Brigade 4 alliance troops, they (the military) justify their actions by claiming there are enemies. They’re increasingly using artillery, burning houses, and setting villages ablaze. This is part of their scorched-earth strategy, targeting resistance strongholds and looting valuables before setting the homes on fire. This tactic aims to cut off any support the locals might provide,” Nai Aye Mon explained.
On September 22, around 300 military junta council troops entered Maung Mae Shaung Village in Dawei Township and burned down many houses.
Human rights abuses by the military junta have escalated throughout 2024, including arbitrary arrests, property destruction, and frequent reports of sexual harassment against women, as noted by Nai Aye Mon.
A humanitarian worker from Tanintharyi Township reported that continued clashes across Tanintharyi have caused an increase in the number of IDPs as homes were down.
“In this area alone, there are over 30,000 IDPs, and the number is expected to rise. There have been cases where homes were burned down and people were killed by artillery shelling. The military regularly comes to this area, and Tanintharyi Township is one of the most conflict-affected areas. The rainy season has made it even more challenging for the IDPs to find shelter and move around,” the humanitarian worker explained.
The Human Rights Foundation of Monland (HURFOM) reported over 55 house fire incidents in Dawei District, Tanintharyi Region, in August. According to HURFOM’s data, the actual numbers on the ground now are likely even higher.
