7 minutes agoMilitary Purge operations: Thousands of frightened residents flee their homes
Periskopi(6 years ago)
(6 years ago)Thousands of villagers have fled their homes to the Rakhine region of Burma after a local manager told village leaders that the country's military has planned anti-insurgent cleanup operations. The news revealed a lawmaker and a humanitarian group. However, a Burmese government spokesman said late Saturday that the order [...]
However, a Burmese government spokesman said late Saturday that the order issued by authorities for evacuation has been withdrawn, writes “Reuters”.
The letter signed by administrator Aung Thein says army operations are scheduled to be carried out in the village of Kyauktan, near areas where the rebels are allegedly sheltered.
It does not state where this order came from, but Min Than, minister of Border and Security Affairs, said the document is the guide that was issued by the ministry he leads and is one of the three ministries controlled by the military.
Until the Purge operation, if fighting with terrorists occurs, don't stay in the villages, but temporarily evacuate”, this letter says.
According to the minister, cleaning operations could last up to a week and that the administrator has misinterpreted the order, because fewer villages will be affected by these operations.
Tens of people have died and tens of thousands have moved because of this conflict. Organization “Save the Children” said 18 children were killed and 71 were injured or disabled from January to March. However, the Burmese army says it is not targeting civilians.
