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Junta officers accused of demolishing and selling civilian property in six Sittwe villages
Military officers under the Myanmar junta in Sittwe are accused of demolishing abandoned civilian homes and selling timber from the properties for profit, according to local sources.
19 Jun 2026
DMG Newsroom
19 June 2026, Sittwe
Military officers under the Myanmar junta in Sittwe are accused of demolishing abandoned civilian homes and selling timber from the properties for profit, according to local sources.
Residents and sources close to military personnel said the activities have been taking place since March in villages surrounding the state capital.
According to the sources, Sergeant Than Phae from the Regional Operations Command, Tactical Commanding Officer Colonel Zin Maung Maung, and the officer-in-charge of the Narikan Bridge checkpoint were involved in dismantling vacant homes and clearing orchards in conflict-affected areas. The timber and other materials were reportedly sold to local buyers.
"They are continuing to tear down homes, uproot trees and transport the materials using dumper trucks," a source said. "Although the tactical commander was transferred about two months ago, the operation began under his authorization. Entire sections of villages have nearly disappeared."
The reported demolition has affected abandoned properties in Theintan, Yartan, Kyauktangyi, Kyauktanchay, Kyarmathauk and Kyeetel villages.
Residents said another round of demolitions took place on June 18, with workers removing timber, pillars and other building materials from vacant houses.
According to local sources, some of the timber is being processed into firewood and charcoal, while higher-quality wood is being resold for construction purposes.
"They are even digging up trees and selling them," the source added. "Good-quality timber is openly sold in town, while lower-grade wood is used as fuel."
The affected villages were largely abandoned after residents fled fighting between the military junta and the Arakan Army, leaving homes and other property unattended.
Observers said similar incidents have been reported in Sittwe Township since early 2025.
"Sittwe is facing shortages of fuel and other resources," a local resident said. "Some officers are selling materials for income, while others are taking timber to strengthen military bunkers. It amounts to the seizure of civilian property."
The allegations come as clashes between junta forces and the Arakan Army continue around Sittwe Township.
The regime has tightened security measures in the state capital, including overnight guest registration checks that residents say have led to arrests and detentions.
More than 20 villages around Sittwe have been depopulated due to the conflict, raising concerns among remaining residents about the possibility of further fighting in and around the state capital.
