Local resistance fighters and junta forces have been clashing in Tilin Township, Magwe Region since Monday with both sides suffering casualties, according to local sources.
“There is a shootout going on near Htanbingon village, where there was fighting yesterday, too. Two civilians died yesterday and we are sure at least one junta soldier also died yesterday,” a resident told The Irrawaddy on Tuesday morning.
Fighting erupted on Monday morning near the village of Wetthet on the Tilin-Gangaw road, as junta security forces carried out raids after an explosion near the township education office in Tilin.
Local resistance fighters attacked junta troops returning to Tilin near Htanbingon village around 7.45am. The fighting escalated as junta reinforcements heading to Tilin from Gangaw were attacked near the village around 9.30am.
Four junta troops and three resistance fighters died in the fighting, according to local sources. The Irrawaddy was unable to independently verify the reports.
The military regime said three civilians died in the fighting and a Htanbingon villager was arrested while carrying a traditional firearm. Three junta troops were injured and a vehicle was damaged, said the regime.
Junta forces also claimed to have seized six motorbikes and two traditional firearms during the fighting.
Htanbingon village is some three miles north of Tilin. Elderly people from the village are currently sheltering at the village monastery, said a resident.
There was also a clash at a police outpost in Say Min Taw village some 18 miles from Tilin, he said. It is unknown if there were casualties.
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