Burma coup resistance notes August 26, 2022
Ethnic regions-------------------
In Kawthoolei (Karen nation) Dooplaya District (Myawaddy township on Burmese maps), the junta has mounted 16 attacks southward from Myawaddy town on the Waw Lay road during July and August, losing hundreds of troops, and has gained no ground at all. Each attack is repulsed by the Karen army Cobra battalion at Three-story Bend. At least 20 junta troops have defected to the Karen side since fighting started here, according to the Karen army, which also says it has had to temporarily evacuate certain positions due to heavy aerial and mortar bombing. Bombing by junta jets and helicopters hasn’t helped. The junta is trying to retake control of that road from Karen forces because it is key to controlling the Thai border area south of Myawaddy, but it hasn’t been able. (Mizzima) Junta jets bombed Bawntdo village of Kaw T’Ree township (Kawkareik on Burmese maps) last night, but caused no damage. (People's Spring)
In Kawthoolei Taw Oo District (Thandaunggyi township on Burmese maps), PDF attacks on junta troops during the period Aug. 15-24 in Thandaung resulted in the death of 11 troops. In Palaw township of Kawthoolei Beit-Tavoy District (Tanintharyi Region on Burmese maps), 2 PDFs attacked a patrol of 8 junta troops 2 days ago, killing 2 of them, but then had to break off the fight after 15 minutes and retreat due to a shortage of weapons and ammunition. (Than Lwin Khet News) A dalan in Ye Phyu township was assassinated today after repeated warnings to stop passing information to the junta. (Mizzima)
Karenni defense forces attacked 200 junta troops in Hpruso township during the past 2 days, killing 7 and wounding a number of others. (Than Lwin Khet News) Karenni snipers in Mobye opened fire on junta troops there today, wounding 2 and once again bringing the action behind a junta advance toward Demawso. (Mobye PDF)
In Arakan State, a battle took place yesterday in Taungup township when junta troops attacked a temporary Arakan army camp. Fourteen junta troops were killed in the clash. (The Irrawaddy, Khit Thit Media)
In Mon State, a local PDF attacked a junta checkpoint at they Ye bridge yesterday, killing 9 troops. (Mizzima)
In Chin State, Chin authorities in Mindat have warned all junta admin personnel to leave or enter CDM by September 4, or be targeted as enemy actors. (People's Spring)
Junta scorched earth village terrorism campaign---------------
In Sagaing Region, junta troops are occupying and torching Zeepindaing village of Kani township since yesterday, after being hit by a PDF bomb on a nearby road. (Mizzima) Meanwhile in Kyun Hla township, troops who were badly beaten by the Kachin army and allied PDFs 3 days ago are attacking Kone Sei and Daypinsate villages in retaliation, firing on them with helicopters while ground troops set the homes on fire. Over 200 civilians are said to be trapped and 2 have already died. (People's Spring, Kachin News Group)
People’s Defense Forces (PDFs)-----------------
The National Unity Government confirms that it has switched from a defensive ground war strategy to one of pro-active attacks on junta camps, barracks, admin offices, police stations, checkpoints, guard posts, and other targets.
The People’s Revolutionary Army PDF reported today on a 4-day battle on the border of Sagaing/Palay township and Magway/Myaing township, Aug. 20-23, in which 13 junta troops and 4 PDF soldiers were killed, including a PRA commander. The junta ultimately had to deliver reinforcements via helicopter, as it doesn’t control the ground routes. (People's Spring)
In Sagaing Region a column of junta troops was blown up by a local PDF this morning in Kalay town, killing the commander and 2 others and wounding about 20. (Mizzima) Yesterday a de-mining team of 8 junta troops protecting trucks from the Chinese-owned copper mine at Letpandaung was blown up by a PDF mine, killing 3 of them and wounding the other 5. (Khit Thit Media) In Palay township a PDF opened fire on a small group of junta troops who were drinking and partying last night, killing 3 and wounding about 4 others. (Myaelatt Athan)
In Magway Region, in a powerful display of the National Unity Government’s growing ability to coordinate local military forces, 27 united PDFs attacked a junta/Pyu Saw Htee village terrorist camp in Minywa village on Yelejun Island in Yesagyo township two days ago Aug. 24, using locally-made mortars, Mytel cannons, and small arms fire. They say they killed 21 junta troops, including a battalion commander, and wounded 12 more. Six people’s soldiers received minor wounds. (People's Spring) The total number of PDF troops involved in the coordinated action isn’t given, but it would be upwards of 500, easily outnumbering the junta/Pyu Saw Htee operatives in the camp.
A junta major who was the manager of a military-owned textile factory in Pakokku was assassinated this morning along with his wife. Unidentified gunmen carried out the hit inside factory premises, then used a factory car to escape. (Myanmar Now)
The Myaing township PDF announced that a junta lieutenant colonel whom it had stopped at a road checkpoint and was interrogating attempted to flee and was fatally shot yesterday. (The Irrawaddy)
In Bago Region, junta troops in Nattalin township are kidnapping villagers and using them as human shields and as slave porters and guides. (Myaelatt Athan)
For the second consecutive day there is a report of improper killings carried out by PDFs. Today it is a case of mistaken identity in Mandalay, where an urban PDF, the Tiger Force Mandalay, assassinated an innocent couple whom they mistook for a junta police major and his wife. The PDF has issued an apology and vows to accept any punishment meted out by the National Unity Government. In April, a PDF in Yinmapin township of Sagaing Region went rogue and committed a string of murders and robberies. The NUG investigates each such instance, with the intention of keeping PDFs in line with its rules of engagement and protection of civilians. (The Irrawaddy)
A junta soldier who got lost in Khin Oo township of Sagaing Region was arrested yesterday by a local PDF. His military rifle was confiscated and he was handed over to the local PDF police. (Khit Thit Media)
Urban warfare------------------
In Yangon Region, a PDF opened fire on junta troops posted in the fire station in Twante township yesterday, and followed that up with a bomb. Three troops were killed in the attack. (Mizzima) In Shwepyitha township an urban PDF has published the names and addresses of local junta administrators and warned them to resign. (People's Spring) Today a bombing at a junta court house in Myangone township wounded 2 troops guarding it. (Salween Press)
Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM)-------------------
A junta general has moved into the Naypyitaw home belonging to elected head of state Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, who is currently held hostage in solitary confinement by the junta on trumped-up charges. (The Irrawaddy)