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
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