An interview with a leader of the revolutionary force engaged in ground combat, about the loss of Ngan Myar Gyi village to the junta.
Revolutionary forces seized Ngan Myar Gyi village in Ngazun Township, Myingyan District, Mandalay Region, on 19 August. However, after nearly two months of control, local residents report that the military council forces recaptured the village on 21 October.
Shanni Voice interviewed a leader of the revolutionary force engaged in ground combat about the junta’s aerial and ground counter-offensives to reclaim Ngan Myar Gyi village, which had been under revolutionary control for nearly two months, and the loss of the village to the junta.
Q: How did the military council launch an attack to regain control of the village?
A: Since early October, they (military council) have been preparing for a counter-offensive. On 10 October, the fighting took place. There were exchanges of fire as the military council attempted to retake control of the village. Fighting also occurred on 14 and 19 October. Fighting on 19 October started at 9 am. The exchange of fire lasted approximately three hours.
The defense forces clashed with junta troops stationed in Moe Htaung village, located more than a mile south of Ngan Myar Gyi. The junta deployed over 100 soldiers in this operation.
The following day after the exchange of fire, junta soldiers were stationed in nearby areas and took security measures. We were forced to withdraw as their reinforced troops advanced, leading to the junta regaining control of the village. During the fighting, the military council employed heavy shelling, airstrikes, and ground reinforcements. The junta replaced their troops to facilitate the counter-offensive.
Q: Were there casualties on either side during the battle?
A: One member of defense forces was killed and four others were injured in the junta’s airstrike on 14 October. On 19 October, another member of defense force was injured by artillery shelling.
Q: What is the situation in Ngan Myar Gyi village following its recapture by the military council?
A: On the morning of 22 October, just a day after recapturing the village, they (the military council) set fire to the villages. Then, they began raiding Ngan Myar Gyi, Tha Phan Thar, Moe Taung, Ywa Tha Aye and Let Pan Thar villages, looting properties. Although we heard that civilians have been arrested, we do not yet know the exact number. Currently, the junta is reinforcing its troops, with over 150 soldiers stationed at the hospital and library in Ngan Myar Gyi.
Q: What is your view on the junta’s recapture of the village after revolutionary forces had held it for nearly two months?
A: The primary reason is the lack of arms and ammunition. The junta rotated their troops and employed aerial and ground attacks with a systematic strategy. As the fighting dragged on, our supplies dwindled, and we eventually ran out of bullets.
Despite the revolutionary forces conducting military operations with ambushes, drone strikes, and guerrilla attacks, we faced a significant shortage of ammunition. This made it difficult to sustain our position over time. To minimize losses, we decided to withdraw from the village.
Q: Do the IDPs remain in the village now that the military council has recaptured it?
A: Yes, residents from Ngan Myar Gyi and nearby villages such as Tha Phan Thar, Si Thar, Pauk Taw Chaung, Moe Taung, Don Din, Ywa Thar Aye, and Thayet Cho Pin have fled to the forests. They are facing challenges in accessing food due to the sudden displacement.
Q: Do the revolutionary forces have a plan to reclaim the village?
A: We have a plan to recapture the village. However, it will take time, as we still need more weapons and ammunition.
Sent by Shanni Voice
