Pro-military militias have upped operations across Ayeyarwady over recent days, as fighting between the Burma Army, its allies, and anti-military resistance groups intensifies in the coastal region bordering an increasingly volatile Rakhine State.

On May 8, a civilian was shot by the now infamous pro-military militia Thway Thauk (aka Blood Brothers/Drinkers — named after the group’s practice of imbibing the blood of members during initiation rituals) inside his Maubin home at around 11 p.m.

The incident occurred after four militiamen, who had arrived at the victim’s home on motorcycles, forcibly entered the home to check the names of guests legally registered to stay at the address.

The victim, Zaw Win Myint, is believed to have survived the shooting. “​​His family opened the door after the militias asked for the guest list. The attackers were certainly targeting him personally, [but] the bullet hit his arm while he was sleeping,” a neighbor told DVB.

The militias left hand written messages  in the victims garden reading: “Maubin Thway Thauk” and “You! Stay quiet! If not, your own actions will lead to the deaths of your family!” Similar threats are said to have been delivered to the compound of ousted NLD MP Ei Ei Pyone as the group made their way to Maubin.

On the evening of May 4, a group of pro-military militiamen set fire to the house of another NLD MP from the town, Zaw Moe, yet no significant damage was reported.

The junta has consistently distanced itself from an increase in murders by pro-military militias across the country; whilst at the same time admitting that it is arming civilian groups.