Junta troops burned down Aung Thar Village in the south of Budalin Township in Sagaing Region, at around 6:00 p.m. on 18 September.

The troops based in nearby Monywa Town were carrying out offensives in Budalin Township, including the southern part of Budalin Township where Aug Thar Village is located.

A  local resident from Aung Thar said: “Around 70 members of the Military Council entered Aung Thar Village and set fire [to buildings] including a monastery and houses at 6:00 p.m. there was a lot of smoke and dust above the village due to the junta’s arson attack. All the villagers were fleeing.”

There were about 150 households in Aung Thar Village but now, many of the residents have fled.