Fighting has intensified between the military council troops and the People’s Defence Forces (PDFs) in Banmauk Township of Sagaing Region. Not only locals but also the PDF suffer casualties due to the military council’s airstrikes.
At around 2 pm on 24 March, the military council bombed Kyaunglae and Natnanhtone in Banmauk Township.
“The bombardment killed four PDF members and some civilians. However, tension continues to mount near that place. Fighting continues in the lower part. The military council is conducting fresh airstrikes. The PDFs clash with the military council and Shan-ni army. Fighting is serious. Due to the difficult phone line, the exact number of civilian casualties is still unknown,” a local youth said.
Since the first week of March, a military convoy of nearly 50 military vehicles has been conducting an offensive in Banmauk Township in the upper Sagaing Region.
On 15 March, the military convoy arrived in Thetkalkyin village on Indaw-Bhamo road.
Since early March, the military columns have been conducting military operations in Banmauk, Indaw, Kawlin and Pinlaebu Townships, according to locals.
On 10 March, a military convoy of nearly 50 military vehicles left Madaya Township of Mandalay Region for Htigyaing-Katha-Indaw-Bhamo road. They burned villages and looted valuables along the road, according to locals.
Sent by NMG
