Burma coup resistance notes November 17, 2022
In addition to the war on children, the junta's latest tactic is bulldozing urban neighborhoods.
The junta’s war on children yielded a new slaughter yesterday as troops fired mortars into a compound where children were having a dance ceremony in Maungtaw township of Arakan State. Fourteen people were killed and more than 20 were injured. Mortars killed 3 more civilians and wounded 4 in Kyauktaw township, also in Arakan State. The Arakan Army has called these war crimes and vows retaliation. (Than Lwin Khet News)
The Kawthoolei government (KNU) announced that 3 junta jets were destroyed by the Karen army and allied PDFs in the Nov. 15 missile attack at the Magway air base, including two MiG-29 Russian planes and another. A report says the three 170mm rockets used were “improvised” (e.g. locally-manufactured), rather than imported. Eight or more junta troops were killed in the 3 explosions and accompanying gunfire. (The Irrawaddy)
Ethnic regions-------------------
In Kachin State, the Kachin army intercepted a junta convoy in Hpakant township on Nov. 15, capturing a truckload of mortar rounds. Jets flew over from the Myitkyina air base but didn’t bomb. Casualties aren’t reported. (Mizzima)
In southern Shan State, 200 junta troops raided the main camp of the ethnic Pa-O defense militia, the PNDF, and among other things, made off with their uniform badges and insignia, leading to concern that enemy troops will commit atrocities disguised as Pa-O soldiers. The soldiers themselves were able to escape ahead of the raid. (Mizzima) The Pa-O are one of Burma’s smaller ethnic groups; another militia calling itself the Pa-O National Organization (PNO) is actually a junta proxy gang.
Junta army desertions------------------
Four junta policemen including a deputy sergeant left the Saw township police barracks in Magway Region and joined a local PDF, bringing full weapons. The National Unity Government Ministry of Defense held a welcome ceremony for them. (Khit Thit Media) As always, the number of known defections is likely dwarfed by the number of unreported deserters who simply disappear from their camps.
Junta scorched earth village terrorism campaign---------------
Nagapauk village in Myaung township, Sagaing Region was attacked, looted, then burned yesterday by junta troops. Yesterday junta jets bombed and destroyed a school in Banmauk township, northern Sagaing Region. Since there had been no fighting there, the reason for the raid isn’t clear.
People’s Defense Forces (PDFs)-----------------
In Sagaing Region, a Myaung township PDF counter-attacked junta/Pyu Saw Htee terrorists yesterday as they invaded Sei village; using landmines, the PDF blew up and killed 3 troops. Later, PDF soldiers located and assassinated 4 dalans (regime spies) in Myitsone village, where a recent junta attack destroyed many homes. Also yesterday in Sagaing township, 3 local junta administrators and Pyu Saw Htee terrorists were assassinated together by PDFs. (Khit Thit Media)
The night of Nov. 15 a PDF attacked a junta terrorist gang that was destroying Nagapauk village in Myaung township, killing 6 of the troops and causing them to retreat. (The 74 Media) A PDF surprise attack killed 2 junta troops near Kalay town yesterday as they were shooting pool; the PDF captured guns, grenades, phones, and cash. (Khit Thit Media)
In Ayadaw township yesterday a PDF fired 5 locally-manufactured mortars at junta troops on a road, killing 5 of them and wounding several others. (Than Lwin Khet News)
Three PDF soldiers died when an aquatic mine they were testing exploded prematurely. The accident happened in the Irrawaddy River, and the PDF is based in Maddaya township of Mandalay Region. (People's Spring) PDFs use submerged mines against junta shipping.
A delayed report says a PDF fired locally-manufactured mortars at junta troops in Otpo village of Sagaing township on Nov. 14, killing up to 5 of them. The troops had been burning houses. (People's Spring) The same day, a video shows junta troops crossing a field in Myaung township suddenly engulfed in a powerful explosion, killing 3 of them and wounding 6. (Ayeyarwaddy Times)
Urban warfare------------------
Urban destruction continues in Yangon. The junta has ordered hundreds of homes evacuated and destroyed in Myangone township. Homeowners have 3 days to leave. This comes after 10,000 houses in Mingaladon township were ordered destroyed, wiping out 5 full wards. (Khit Thit Media) Since displaced residents aren’t given any alternative habitations, they become homeless, joining the 1.2 million refugees already displaced since the coup nationally. If they weren’t already, they also become hard-core regime opponents determined to see its downfall.
Along the same strategy, junta administrators warned residents in Kawlin town, Sagaing Region that if any bombs went off, whole streets of houses will be demolished. (Mizzima) The aim is to drive a wedge between freedom fighters and residents.
Political and economic-------------------
The junta announced that it would release thousands of political prisoners today, including some celebrities. The appointed time passed today with only a few releases, however, and at least one celebrity was immediately kidnapped again by troops as soon as he was “free”. The theory is that this supposed prisoner release is a publicity stunt in to present an appearance of legitimacy in preparation for the junta’s sham election planned for 2023.
- စီၤ ထံဆၢ