NAY PYI TAW, Burma — The Burmese military burned almost all residences May 20 in a predominantly Christian village in the country’s Sagaing region.
In the raid that lasted more than four hours, the Tatmadaw (Burmese military) torched at least 320 of the 350 houses in Chaung Yoe village, reported the relief group Barnabas Fund. Two neighboring communities also were targeted.
About 1,500 Christians lived in Chaung Yoe. Hundreds fled to safety, and two villagers were beaten, according to sources.
The same village was attacked March 12. Two residents were killed and about 10 homes were burned. The month before that, hundreds fled to escape artillery shelling upon the village, Barnabas Fund stated.
On May 7, Chan Thar, another village in Sagaing region, suffered a similar fate when about 20 houses were set ablaze.
Open Doors, a ministry serving the persecuted church, said government forces target Christians and churches and have slain some pastors and Christian aid workers. Attacks on Christians have increased since a military coup in February 2021.
Burma (also known as Myanmar) is No. 12 on Open Doors’ 2022 World Watch List of places most difficult to be a Christian.
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