On 25 January 2022, social media posts claimed SAC troops from the 55th and 99th Divisions launched an offensive in Loikaw Township, Kayah State. Ongoing fighting in the area had prompted residents to evacuate. Reports allege the soldiers were called to Yay Yo village near Nanattaw ward and captured six locals – including four minors and two elderly men – who had returned from a refugee camp. It is further claimed that the attackers beat and shot them, then dumped them into the outdoor toilet pit of a house. Upon returning from evacuation on 27 January, a local from the Yay Yo area discovered the bodies in the toilet pit and called the social help community team.

According to Than Lwin Khet News, these six individuals had allegedly returned from the camp due to wanting to be home; however, the military had advised a Dalan (informer) in the village to report any arrivals. Upon receiving the report, soldiers arrived and detained them before beating and shooting them. User-generated content (UGC) of the incident provided information which could be geolocated, chronolocated, and analysed to verify the killings. The known operation of the military within this area and during this time leads Myanmar Witness to believe they were involved in the deaths of two men and four boys under the age of 18.

Read Myanmar Witness’ report for more information.