The People’s Defense Force (PDF) seized Banmauk town in northern Sagaing Region from junta forces on Saturday, according to a statement issued by the civilian National Unity Government (NUG)’s No.1 Military Region Command on Monday.
The capture of Banmauk, which adjoins Indaw and Katha townships on the Kachin State border, unlocks a key strategic zone for resistance forces in northern Sagaing.
The PDF seized Banmauk after a five-day offensive against regime troops and the allied Shanni National Army (SNA), the NUG military command said.
“The PDF has now occupied Banmauk town, with no enemy troops in the town,” a source close to the PDF told The Irrawaddy.
Residents have evacuated to nearby villages, fearing junta airstrikes and an SNA counteroffensive, he added.
PDF fighters engaged a combined force of roughly 400 junta, police, militia and SNA troops, seizing 18 regime bases, including three monasteries and a school, according to the NUG.
The junta responded with around a dozen airstrikes on the town, supported by drones and artillery. The PDF lost six fighters and recovered the bodies of seven SNA soldiers, including one lieutenant, according to the NUG statement.
It also seized ammunition, drones, bombs, mines and firearms from captured junta positions.
Junta and SNA forces have reportedly retreated to Mangon and Ahnauktaw villages, 14 kilometers northwest of the town.
“The capture of Banmauk will enable the resistance to control a broader region,” a military analyst told The Irrawaddy.
Most of the nearby towns are already held by resistance forces and the area is mountainous and heavily forested, favoring the rebel fighters, he said.
Banmauk’s capture puts resistance fighters within striking distance of junta-held Homalin, Wuntho, and Paungbyin in northern Sagaing Region, the analyst noted.
Homalin and Katha are among the 102 townships where the junta plans to hold elections starting December 28, while neighboring Pinlebu, Maluu and Indaw have fallen to Kachin Independence Army and PDF-led forces over the past year.
