YANGON: Security forces have cleared a total of 866 sites involved in illegal oil extraction and refining in Myaing and Pakokku townships, Magway Region, where People's Defence Force (PDF) groups were reportedly collecting payments from local operators, according to reports.
Based on information from local residents, military columns conducted security operations near Taegyi Village in the Letpanto–Kyauk Hkwe oilfield area of Myaing Township, targeting sites reportedly used by the armed resistance PDF groups for illegal oil extraction and refining. Some of the illegal oil-processing sites were subsequently destroyed by fire.
From August 31 to September 27, security forces conducting area-clearance operations in Myaing Township inspected areas following reports that PDF groups were illegally extracting oil and collecting payments from local operators.
A total of 131 illegal oil wells were identified, while equipment used for oil refining was seized and 246 temporary shelters reportedly used by PDF members were dismantled.
Similarly, from September 18 to 27, security forces inspected areas near Yenanchap Village in Pakokku Township and identified 735 makeshift oil wells used for illegal oil extraction.
Oil-refining equipment was seized, and 509 temporary shelters reportedly used by PDF members were destroyed. - Eleven Media/ANN
