Resistance groups captured Pinlebu town on the border of Sagaing Region and Kachin State on October 8.
Over 50 anti-regime groups from Kawlin, Pinlebu, Wuntho, Katha, Kantbalu, Kale, Shwebo, Mawleik, Sagaing and Yinmabin townships took part in the joint operation from Kawlin, Kantbalu and Katha (3K) districts.
Nearly 800 junta troops were defeated while more than 5,000 bombs were dropped in over 670 air attacks, according to the National Unity Government (NUG), which commands most of the anti-regime groups involved in the battle for Pinlebu.
Around 70 junta soldiers were killed, 275 are missing, 225 were wounded, 48 surrendered and 102 captured during the fighting. Around 400 firearms and other military equipment were seized.
Thoe Gyi, the leader of Kawlin District People’s Defense Team, recently talked to The Irrawaddy about the battle.
How important is Pinlebu for allied anti-regime groups?
Pinlebu is easy to defend and difficult to attack, surrounded by forests and mountains. It is difficult to advance on the town. All residents support the revolution and the regime will not be able to retake the town.
When did the attack start?
We started fighting for Pinlebu in early 2022. We almost seized the town in the previous four attacks but the regime held on with air support and airlifted troops. It fell during the fifth attempt this month.
How was the fighting?
We attacked on August 15. It took 53 days. The enemy is weak. Those who were forcibly recruited or drafted under the conscription law were not willing to fight.
What will you do with the captured soldiers?
Soldiers who were forcibly conscripted dared not fight and surrendered when the fighting broke out. Others surrendered after they ran out of food when they could no longer fight.
We have provided medical treatment, fed them and kept them in a safe place.
How do you feel towards the conscripts?
We feel bad to fight them. We urge them to try to avoid going to the frontline. We fight for victory. We can’t have mercy on the battlefield. We don’t want to see them.
We can’t guarantee their safety. It is a huge loss for the country.
How was the joint 3K operation?
We are very satisfied with the performance of our troops in Pinlebu.
Comrades made sacrifices and their capabilities have increased.
The many groups were unified.
The 3K leadership and the role of the NUG’s military region 1 were crucial.
Although the fighting was long, it was encouraging. We worked with great unity and we are using more sophisticated tactics.
How damaged is Pinlebu?
After the third attack, the regime torched the town except for the hills where they were deployed. They burned villages near the town, causing heavy damage and killing villagers.
Regime airstrikes also targeted villages around the town and Kawlin. Civilians were killed.
How can you prepare for regime airstrikes?
The regime strafed the town for days after it fell. Junta troops have been driven out of Pinlebu Township.
We are clearing landmines and unexploded ordnance in the town after more than three years of junta occupation. Everything has returned to normal in rural areas.
We allow will residents to return to the town when the mines are cleared. We are making preparations for air raids. We have been educating the people about how to keep themselves safe during air raids.
Will the seizure of Pinlebu help the fight for other towns in Sagaing Region?
We seized the town despite the regime airlifting in many reinforcements and providing air support. The regime was hit hard both militarily and psychologically.
Pinlebu is only the first step of our many ambitions in Sagaing Region. We plan more attacks. We are doing our best to make the revolution successful.
