Fierce fighting between military junta troops and defense forces in Katha Township, Sagaing Region, has resulted in fatalities on both sides and the capture of 29 junta soldiers alive, according to military sources.
The fighting that began on 15 March continued until around midday on 16 March. It erupted when junta troops launched an offensive into territory where defense forces were operating on the outskirts of Katha town.
A military news source reported that the fighting started when a column of over 150 troops from Light Infantry Battalion-309, based in Katha, advanced toward the outskirts of the town.
“The fighting was extremely fierce. Previously, they would just conduct patrols, but this time they launched an offensive with a large force into the outskirts. On 15 March, it started in the morning and continued all day long, from morning to night. The enemy suffered fatalities, and we captured 29 alive,” said the military news source.
During the battle, two defense force members were killed. The bodies of four junta soldiers were found during area clearance operations, according to the defense forces.
The defense forces also seized some weapons and ammunition during the fighting. By the evening of 16 March, the gunfire subsided, and the junta column retreated back to the LIB-309 base.
The battle took place in the areas near Nat Yae Twin and Pin Ma Lut intersection, approximately four miles from the junta’s LIB-309 base on the outskirts of Katha, according to military sources.
One military source said: “No civilians were hurt during this battle. This is because clashes occur in this area almost every month. The enemy regularly conducts patrols, and our forces prepare ambushes, so whenever something happens, civilians evacuate to safe areas.”
During the battle, LIB-309, based in Katha, provided continuous heavy artillery support. Military sources say that this level of intense fighting is unprecedented in Katha town.
The junta cut phone and internet lines in Katha Township, which is located in Sagaing Region bordering Kachin State, following the intense Kachin battles that occurred in 2024.
Defense forces have stated that Katha is strategically significant due to its proximity to Shwegu Township in Kachin State and its relatively close distance to Bhamo, Kachin State’s second capital, where fierce battles to capture the towns are currently taking place.
Sent by KNG.
