Myanmar Military Kills at Least 70 in Byain Phyu During May 2024, Survivors Say
This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.
Myanmar military personnel killed at least 70 residents of Byain Phyu in Rakhine State between May 29 and 31, 2024, five survivors told The Diplomat on February 12, 2026. About 200 soldiers surrounded the village of about 2,000 residents at 8 a.m., blindfolded and tied an estimated 800 men, and later killed at least 70. Women and children were ordered to sit along the roads while soldiers questioned those they considered suspicious.
Key Facts
- Myanmar military personnel killed at least 70 residents of Byain Phyu, a predominantly Rakhine Buddhist village near Sittwe, between May 29 and 31, 2024.
- About 200 soldiers in six trucks entered the village of about 2,000 residents at 8 a.m. on May 29, 2024, and ordered everyone to assemble at the village center.
- An estimated 800 men, including teenagers, were blindfolded, had their hands tied behind their backs, and were herded to a tea shop near the village outskirts.
- Five survivors, including three women, described the massacre to The Diplomat on February 12, 2026, in Ponnagyun Township.
- Soldiers confiscated the motorcycle and knapsack with paintings from artist Kyaw Kyaw Aung as he was forced back to Byain Phyu while heading to Sittwe.
The Village Roundup
Six trucks carrying about 200 heavily armed Myanmar military personnel entered Byain Phyu, a predominantly Rakhine Buddhist village near the Rakhine State capital Sittwe, at 8 a.m. on May 29, 2024. The soldiers split into two equal groups and moved in opposite directions along the main street to encircle the village of about 2,000 residents. A dozen military personnel led by a young officer announced over loudspeakers that all residents must assemble at the village center immediately. Soldiers dragged about a dozen elderly, disabled, and sick people from their homes and stopped bikers and daily wage workers heading to Sittwe, forcing them back to the village.
Detention and Executions
At the village center, a burly officer believed to be an army major directed all men to move to the outskirts near a tea shop, where they were blindfolded and had their hands tied behind their backs. An estimated 800 men, including teenagers, were herded to that spot and at 6 p.m. forced to relocate to the western edge of the village. Women and children were ordered to sit on both sides of the cobbled roads, and soldiers inspected them closely, questioning those who appeared suspicious and telling them to wait for further instructions. Between May 29 and 31, 2024, Myanmar military personnel tortured and executed at least 70 residents of Byain Phyu.
Survivors' Accounts
Five survivors, including three women, recounted the events to The Diplomat on February 12, 2026, in Ponnagyun Township, where they are currently staying. Artist Kyaw Kyaw Aung was on his way to Sittwe to sell his paintings when soldiers stopped him, confiscated his motorcycle and knapsack, and forced him to return to Byain Phyu. The soldiers' arrival at 8 a.m. was unusual, as military patrols and raids in the village typically took place in the afternoon, evening, or night.
1 source
Myanmar Military Kills at Least 70 in Byain Phyu During May 2024, Survivors Say
