At least 15 junta soldiers were killed in the battle for Moebye town in Pekon Township on the border between southern Shan State and Karenni State, according to officials from Tactical Operations Command-1 of Sub-Military Region-Southern Shan State.
Karenni resistance coalition forces repelled an offensive column of approximately 100 soldiers that attacked Moebye town on 14 March.
An official from the information department of Tactical Command Base-1 of the sub-military region in southern Shan State said: “We can confirm that at least 15 of them were killed. We reported this after examining the bodies found on the ground. We can confirm that at least 15 dogs [junta soldiers] were killed.
During the battle, resistance forces seized nine firearms and related ammunition. One fighter from the Karenni Nationalities Defense Force (KNDF) Battalion-3 was killed in action.
In addition, two soldiers from Battalion-1109 suffered severe head injuries and are in critical condition, according to sources close to the resistance forces.
The military junta has been launching offensives with superior troop numbers, using new recruits and many Pa-O National Organization (PNO) militia members. This forced resistance forces to abandon some guard posts, according to ground sources.
However, now that these outposts have been recaptured, the military situation has temporarily become calmed again, according to an official from the information department.
“The situation remains calm for now. Both sides are relatively calm at the moment. But, they could launch another offensive at any time, and fighting could break out again,” he said.
Throughout the conflict period, the junta’s use of gas bombs and incendiary bombs caused at least 15 houses in Moebye town’s neighborhoods to burn down.
In the coming days, the junta is likely to launch further offensives to capture these outposts, and an information official from Tactical Command Base-1 has appealed for assistance with weapons and ammunition.
“What we would like to ask from journalists is that there are likely to be more battles every day. Since fighting could resume at any time, we need to gather a lot more ammunition. Therefore, if there are any donors who can help, we would like to request direct support through the command base. We are asking everyone to help.
Throughout March, resistance forces have been simultaneously launching offensives in areas such as Pekon, Nyaungshwe, Pinlaung, and Ywangan in the Southern Shan to regain territorial control.
Sent by NMG.
