Numerous Myanmar junta soldiers have reportedly been killed or wounded in civilian resistance ambushes in Bago and Mandalay regions and Kayah State on Thursday.
At least three shootouts between regime troops and the combined Karenni Nationalities Defense Force (KNDF) and Karenni Army, the armed wing of the Karenni National Progressive Party, broke out in Bawlakhe and Hpruso townships in Kayah State on Thursday.
Some military vehicles were damaged by Karenni landmines, according to the KNDF. It said there were many military casualties and no injuries for Karenni forces.
On Thursday afternoon, two junta soldiers were killed in a blast near the university in Kayah State’s capital, Loikaw.
The KNDF’s Battalion 19 raided junta soldiers deployed at a monastery near a police station in Demoso on Thursday evening.
The KNDF said there were many junta casualties while its forces were unhurt.
It said junta troops randomly used artillery on surrounding villages.
More than 10 junta soldiers were reportedly killed or wounded in a People’s Defense Force (PDF) raid in Sintgaing Township, Mandalay Region, on Thursday morning.
The Kyaukse PDF used bombs against junta troops deployed at a hall in Ywarbo village in the township.
A resident told The Irrawaddy that more than 10 killed or injured soldiers were driven out of the village.
Residents said around 70 junta soldiers have been stationed at the village hall for two months.
At least five junta soldiers were reportedly killed after the Pyay Underground Force, a civilian resistance group, bombed a military checkpoint at a battalion headquarters in Pyay Township, Bago Region, on Thursday night.
With exception of Rakhine State, PDFs across the country continue to step up operations against the regime and junta-run businesses, including Mytel telecoms masts, factories and military products.
The regime is also facing fierce attacks by ethnic armed forces, including the Kachin Independence Army, Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army and the armed wing of the Karen National Union.
The junta’s deputy, Vice Senior General Soe Win, on Oct. 13 instructed the military to annihilate the PDFs and other guerrilla resistance groups.
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