Fighting is currently taking place in Pinlebu town in Sagaing Region as resistance forces attempt to capture the town, leaving only around 50 residents living in the town in July, according to people who have fled to Mandalay.
In May, before the battle, around 400 people still lived in Pinlebu. After the fighting broke out, many fled the town while others were taken away by the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and joint People’s Defense Forces (PDFs), according to locals.
A displaced resident of Pinlebu said, “I guess over 40 people are still in the town now. The residents didn’t go with them willingly but were forcibly taken away. Now only those who didn’t want to go with them are left”
The remaining population of about 50 people in the town consists largely of elderly people, including those who were hit by artillery shells and drone bombs, the displaced people said.
According to the locals, the administrative apparatus of Pinlebu town has collapsed and only the junta’s hilltop outposts and police members remain.
During the fighting in May, the KIA and allied PDF forces were able to take control of areas as far as Kyauk Taing hill in Pinlebu, but the junta forces later recaptured the hill.
The KIA and allied PDF forces have attempted to capture Pinlebu town three times. Although they have not yet been able to fully control the town, they have reportedly taken control of almost all the villages in the township.
In 2022, over 7,500 people lived in Pinlebu town. Due to the fighting in the towns, almost the entire population has been displaced to villages more than three miles away from the town, and some have fled to Mandalay, Monywa and Pyin Oo Lwin.
Sent by Shanni Voice.