Skeletons of three women arrested by junta troops found in Kyaukphyu

By Admin 07 Jan 2026

DMG Newsroom

7 January 2026, Kyaukphyu

The remains of three women from Ohn Taw Village in Kyaukphyu Township, Arakan State, who went missing after being arrested by junta troops, have been found near the military regime's No. 32 Police Battalion, local residents said.

The women disappeared in early October 2025 after encountering junta soldiers while visiting their plantation near Kyaukphyu Mountain. Their skeletons were discovered buried in a pit on January 2, more than three months later.

The deceased have been identified as Daw Hla Thein Shwe, 55; her daughter Daw Aye Aye Thein, 31; and her niece Ma Pyae Sone Win, 13, all from Ohn Taw Village.

According to local residents, the women were among a group of five villagers travelling to Uyin Village, including two other women from the same village. The group was stopped by junta troops, and two of them were allowed to return home. The remaining three took an alternative route to their orchard and never returned.

"The junta soldiers stationed near the plantation did not allow them to go back, so the two who were with them returned to the village. The three orchard owners tried to leave by another route and then went missing," said a local woman.

Villagers later confirmed that the skeletons found were those of the three missing women.

"The skeletons were found buried together. We still do not know how they were killed," said a local man.

Ohn Taw Village is under the control of the military regime, with several nearby bases, including the No. 32 Police Battalion, located around Kyaukphyu Mountain and Ohn Taw Mountain.

"To kill three people would require more than one person. The entire area is under the control of junta troops," said another local resident. "Although they knew it was dangerous, villagers have been risking their lives to collect crops for survival."

The military regime has blocked roads in Kyaukphyu Township, leaving many residents struggling to make ends meet. As a result, some villagers have entered forested areas to search for food and fish, locals said.

According to data compiled by DMG, from February 20, 2025-when fighting began in Kyaukphyu-to January 20, 2026, at least 16 women were killed and at least 26 injured by the military regime's artillery fire, small arms, and airstrikes.

Amid ongoing conflict in Arakan State, women are facing sexual violence and life-threatening attacks from the military regime's heavy weapons and airstrikes. Local and international women's groups say assistance remains insufficient.

Fighting continues to intensify in Kyaukphyu Township between the military regime and the Arakan Army. The junta maintains control over areas near the town, while the Arakan Army controls most villages across the township.