Armed forces searched a house in Kyaukme while residents were out and destroyed their property, including their motorbike, according to a source. Soldiers and police entered the property in Ward 7 at about 11pm on August 8.

A couple of days earlier, armed forces raided another property in the town in northern Shan State, arresting a 22-year-old and charging him with incitement under Article 505 (a). Locals told SHAN they wanted his older brother. When he wasn’t home, they grabbed the younger sibling and broke his leg during interrogation.

Kyaukme residents said armed forces in civilian clothing patrol the town every night, raiding homes and arresting anyone who dares to protest against the military regime.

A youth said authorities target young people and are trying to find members of People’s Defence Force.

Since the February 1 military coup, there were over 20 people arrested in Kyaukme. Armed forces have prevented family members from visiting them, and they have not told them where they are holding them.