Illegal hand-dug oil wells of PDFs seized in Pakokku

SECURITY forces, in pursuit of government directives, are taking measures in cooperation with rel­evant departments to prevent and combat the illegal extraction and production of natural resources above and below ground and on land and in water.

Following reports from locals that armed terrorits were illegally extracting and smuggling valuable natural resources, collecting extor­tion fees, and using the proceeds to purchase weapons and ammu­nition, security forces conducted inspections in Pakokku Township, Magway Region.

The inspections uncovered 735 sites where illegal hand-dug oil wells were being operated near Yenanchat Village – 39 sites on 18 September, 35 on 19 September, 44 on 20 September, 176 on 21 Septem­ber, 184 on 22 September, 138 on 23 September, 68 on 24 September, 25 on 25 September, 18 on 26 Septem­ber and eight on 27 September.

Equipment used for oil process­ing was seized, and 509 temporary huts used by PDFs were destroyed.

Authorities are systematically destroying the illegal oil well sites and equipment by fire in line with procedures. Necessary security operations will continue in the area to prevent further illegal oil ex­traction.

PDF terrorist groups had al­legedly been exploiting local com­munities, operating illegal oil wells themselves and collecting extortion fees from local oil workers, with the proceeds used to purchase weap­ons and ammunition. The security operations were conducted based on information provided by locals, and counter-terrorism and area se­curity operations would continue in cooperation with local communities to maintain stability in Magway Re­gion. — MNA/KTZH