Burma coup resistance notes August 8, 2022
Today is 8888 (pronounced shit-lay in Burmese), the 34th anniversary of the Aug. 8, 1988 uprising in Burma against the military junta of that time. The popular movement succeeded in bringing down 26-year dictator Ne Win, only to be succeeded by even more murderous regimes. Today people are demanding that the Revolution succeed before the 35th anniversary.
Ethnic regions-------------------
The Kachin army and allied PDF attacked a junta camp near Seizin village in Hpakant township early this morning. When the junta lost 10 or more troops, they and their ethnic Shanni proxies fled the camp, and are currently being chased and attacked by Kachin forces. Meanwhile, the Kachin army has captured at least 11 weapons in the camp and is clearing and destroying it to prevent re-occupation. (Mizzima)
In Karenni State, battles have been continuous along the Demawso-Loikaw road since August began, and for the past 2 days Karenni forces attacked junta troops at Six Mile, south of Loikaw, inflicting heavey casualties according to the Karenni, though no numbers are given. They said the junta troops piled their dead inside a house and lit it on fire. (People's Spring)
In Kawthoolei Brigade 4 area (Tanintharyi Region on Burmese maps), a PDF clashed with junta troops in Taku village tract of Tanintharyi township yesterday, killing at least 3 troops, according to the PDF. The troops then abducted some civilians as human shields and retreated. (Mizzima)
Junta scorched earth village terrorism campaign---------------
Russian-supplied attack helicopters fired at farmers working in their rice fields in Depayin township of Sagaing Region on Aug. 4, killing 2 women who were planting rice seedlings. Three thousand villagers then stopped farming and fled their homes. (The Irrawaddy) This kind of attack has a direct effect on the national food supply.
Junta troops and Pyu Saw Htee thugs conducted a terrorist attack on Sahjin village of Pakokku township, Magway Region yesterday and today and burned down most of the houses. Looting usually precedes the burning. The people got advance warning and were able to flee ahead of time, so there was no massacre in this case. (Khit Thit Media)
Troops conducted a similar terrorist attack on Kaungthit village of Ayadaw township, Sagaing Region yesterday.
People’s Defense Forces (PDFs)-----------------
In Sagaing Region, a PDF fought junta troops for an hour in Kanyin village of Myinmu township, then had to retreat for lack of ammunition. Eight fighters from another PDF went in to relieve them, and all 8 ended up killed. The damage to the bodies suggests a direct hit from a grenade or mortar. Junta casualties aren't known. This happened Aug. 4 but the report is just emerging. (Mizzima) A roadside bombing in Sagaing township killed 3 troops on Aug. 6. (Khit Thit Media)
In Bago Region, a local junta administrator in Latpadan township and a dalan in Tharawaddy township were assassinated today by PDFs.
Urban warfare------------------
In Yangon, a junta patrol was blown up in Thaketa township this morning; while troops were responding, another bomb exploded. The number of casualties isn't known yet. In North Dagon township, twin bombs exploded on the northbound and southbound train tracks, and 2 other bombs were found and diffused by the junta. There was a bombing in Hlaing township, and junta admin offices were bombed in South Dagon and North Okalappa townships.
In Mandalay, a large explosion was heard yesterday in Patheingyi township. Junta troops opened fire on 2 civilians riding a motorcycle in Aung Myay Thasi township, killing one of them; the other escaped. (Khit Thit Media)
Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM)-------------------
The National Unity Government opened a diplomatic representation office in Canberra, capital of Australia yesterday. It is essentially Burma's embassy in Australia, since that country doesn't recognize the illegal military regime as a government. The NUG is in the process of opening other embassies in countries like the Czech Republic.