SAGAING, Myanmar - According to local sources, air attacks and shelling drove thousands of people from at least nine villages in Sagaing Region's Depayin Township to escape over the weekend.

The fresh attacks on Saturday came as Myanmar's government intensified its use of military aircraft in Sagaing to defeat anti-regime troops.

The community representatives said that the attack, which included artillery shelling, forced most of the 5,000 residents to escape.

Although not confirmed, sources claimed that at least six persons were killed in the attacks.

Four of the five helicopters used in the attacks, according to locals, were carrying troops. According to them, these soldiers were dropped down near Nyaung Hla on Saturday evening, before the strikes began.

Local sources told that the affected villages were Letyetkone, Mukatwin, Me Oe, Nyaung Hla, Segyitaw, Thayetdaw, Weagyi, and Yinkyin.