Ten junta soldiers were killed when resistance groups attacked a convoy of regime vessels, including three reportedly carrying jet fuel, on the Chindwin River in Salingyi Township, Sagaing Region, on Sunday, according to Myanmar’s Royal Dragon Army (MRDA).
The MRDA and two other resistance forces combined to attack the convoy of two warships and three cargo vessels after it left Sin Phyu Shin bridge in Pakokku Township.
A battleship was halted when it came under attack from grenades launched by the resistances force, said Ko Naung Yoe, a spokesperson of the MRDA.
The clash lasted for around 30 minutes as the other vessels sought to protect the warship after it was hit by improvised grenade launchers, he said.
“We heard that the convoy docked at Monywa Alone port and sent the injured soldiers to hospital. Ten soldiers were killed by our attack,” Ko Naung Yoe told The Irrawaddy.
The Irrawaddy could not independently verify the casualty report.
“We learned that the vessels will continue toward Hkamti Township in upper Sagaing to deliver the jet fuel,” Ko Naung Yoe said.
No civilians or resistance members were injured in the clash.
The military convoy was docked at Monywa port till Sunday evening, according to the resistance force.
Myanmar’s military uses river routes to transport reinforcements to upper Sagaing and Kachin State. Combined resistance forces regularly attack military convoys along the routes.
Last week, a convoy of regime vessels came under attack from resistance groups positioned on both sides of the Ayeyarwady River after it departed Mandalay City for Kachin State on July 26. Two vessels were destroyed in the attack, according to the resistance groups.
