Thousands Flee as Myanmar Military Blocks Vital Supplies in Magwe Region
On May 19, 2026, humanitarian reports confirmed that Myanmar junta forces have blockaded the strategic town of Pakokku, preventing the transport of food and medicine to surrounding rural areas controlled by resistance groups. Simultaneously, the National Unity Government (NUG) reported that approximately 5,600 residents fled their homes in neighboring Pauk township on May 17-18 due to the deployment of junta troops from the KaPaSa 22 ordnance plant and subsequent aerial attacks by regime gyrocopters.