Burma coup resistance notes October 19, 2022
Senior junta commander killed by Karen army; dictator's inner security team decimated in bomb attack; another helicopter assault on farming communities.
A climate of fear is setting in among junta military and civilian personnel, as the regime can no longer protect them from Revolutionary forces. Repeated battlefield losses by troops despite the campaign of terror against civilians, assassinations of junta officials literally anywhere, and shrinking territorial control are leading to a bunker mentality. The regime has imposed a defensive curfew on its own personnel, hides in civilian disguise while moving around, and lives behind sandbags and razor wire. Troops take helicopters to avoid roads where they are constantly blown up. Information leaks from within the regime continuously expose the unraveling of its control even over its own people. At some point the kleptocratic multi-millionaire generals must conclude that their only safety is outside the country. When that moment comes, all those who supported them will understand they’ve been used, and will turn to the Revolutionary forces and swear remorse, and beg forgiveness. And, for the sake of national resurrection, they will get it.
Ethnic regions-------------------
Junta dictator Min Aung Hlaing visited Mawlamyaing in Mon State and Pa-an in Karen State 2 days ago Oct. 17, traveling by helicopter. His security detail, however, traveled by road from Yangon. As it was passing through Doo Tha Htoo District of Kawthoolei (Bilin township on Burmese maps) it was attacked by the Karen army, using landmines and rocket-propelled grenades. Nine people were killed including 2 senior officers, and 25 were wounded. (Salween Press) This attack is another indication that the junta doesn’t control the country and can’t protect even its senior people.
In another major development in Kawthoolei, the commander of the junta’s 44th infantry division, Col. Win Min Oo, was killed by a Karen Cobra battalion sniper today during a battle in Dooplaya District (Myawaddy township on Burmese maps) at Nyaung Chaung village near Kyaukket along the Asia Highway. Traffic on that road has been stopped by the combat. Not much else is known about today’s battle so far. (Salween Press)
In Karenni State, Karenni defense forces attacked junta troops in Thaysule village of Demawso township for 2.5 hours yesterday with mortars, drone bombs, and gunfire. They can confirm one junta fatality and 5 wounded. The junta has maintained a camp at Thaysule since March of this year. (Than Lwin Khet News)
In Kachin area, junta troops attacked a Kachin army base in Manton township 2 days ago Oct. 17, and the Kachin soldiers fought back. They say there were junta casualties, but no numbers are available. (People's Spring) Also, a junta lieutenant colonel was assassinated in Muse township by a local PDF last night, and today troops are searching Muse town. (Kachin News Group)
In Mon State, a Ye township PDF attacked a police station in Lamaing yesterday, but got ambushed by plain-clothes junta troops during its exit. The commander of the PDF was killed and the others became trapped. Another nearby PDF then came to rescue the trapped freedom fighters, firing 40mm grenades and rifles to allow their escape.
Junta scorched earth village terrorism campaign---------------
Two attack helicopters fired on Yinpaungdaing, Sinsway, and Putothah villages today in Yinmapin township of Sagaing Region. Then 4 transport helicopters a large number of troops invaded the villages and fired mortars into them. Residents are fleeing en masse, but children, elderly, and sick people are trapped. This is a repeat of the junta’s helicopter-borne village terrorism strategy already carried out in many other areas. Locals say this invasion was not preceded by any fighting or PDF activity, it is unprovoked. (Khit Thit Media)
Troops attacked Petdawye village for a second day last night in Natmauk township, Magway Region. They seized 120 men and women and beat them severely, and set the houses on fire. (Khit Thit Media)
In Mandalay Region, junta vehicles showed up in a village in Nganzon township during the night of Oct. 17 and dumped the corpses of 5 civilians by the road. The bodies had their hands and ankles bound, and included 3 men, 1 woman, and 1 teenager. Local residents said they didn’t recognize the dead. (Myaelatt Athan)
People’s Defense Forces (PDFs)-----------------
In Sagaing Region, a PDF coalition attacked a junta column of 70 troops last night in Indaw township, and a long battle occurred. The troops were intercepted before they could reach and attack Aung Kone village. Casualty figures aren’t known, but the junta suffered badly enough to call in 4 jets to fire and drop bombs for an hour, and troops were observed cremating their dead. The PDF attack paused during the jet bombing and then continued. No PDF casualties are reported. (Than Lwin Khet News)
Kalay PDFs intercepted a junta convoy approaching a bridge crossing on the Tamu road 2 days ago Oct. 17 using roadside bombs and gunfire. Three troops were killed. (Khit Thit Media)
Update on the escape of 11 political prisoners and 3 prison guards 2 days ago in Hkamti, Sagaing Region: In the first 24 hours after the escape, 5 of the 14 people were recaptured by the junta and 1 was killed. Those who were recaptured are currently being beaten and tortured, and may be dead. The fate of the other 8 isn’t known at this point. The junta has blocked all roads connecting to the area. (Myaelatt Athan)
Urban warfare------------------
In Yangon, 2 bombs exploded at the infamous Insein prison this morning, one inside and one outside. The one inside killed 8 staff and wounded 13. (Than Lwin Khet News)
In Monywa city, capital of Sagaing Region, an urban PDF conducted a drive-by shooting at a junta police barracks.
Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM)-------------------
Though Burma is normally a rice exporting country, the junta has ordered 7,500 tons of imported rice for its troops, which is evidence of the damage done to the country’s agricultural sector by the coup. The imported rice order is done through 62 private companies, which are now considered collaborators in the humanitarian atrocities committed by the illegal regime. The National Unity Government and free press outlets have published the list of these companies for boycotting and sanctions. 78% of the rice ordered has not been delivered. (Khit Thit Media)
- စီၤ ထံဆၢ