NAYPYITAW, 13 November 2021, (TON): The military has recently escalated raids on villages in three Sagaing Region townships where resistance forces are concentrated, displacing thousands of locals.

Since late October, the junta has been sending weapons and troop reinforcements to Depayin, Kani and Kyunhla townships, as well as launching increased airstrikes since early November on areas where People’s Defence Forces (PDFs) are believed to be located.

Intense battles broke out between the military and the Kani PDF near Tazeichaung village, with the junta troops firing on the area from a helicopter, reportedly injuring three locals.

An eyewitness told media “they shot at the road at the exit of Tazeichaung from a helicopter, using machine guns.”

He added that the aircraft circled the area four times.

The junta sent 50 troops, as well as food and several heavy weapons to Kani from Mingin Township in early November, according to the Kani PDF, claiming that among the soldiers were members of the Pyu Saw Htee pro-military network that has vowed to crush the anti-coup resistance.

A spokesperson for the Kani PDF said “five junta soldiers and four PDF members were injured in the battle near Tazeichaung.”

More than 1,000 locals were also displaced from Tazeichaung, Shan Myaung, Mingone and Nyaung Pin Wun villages.