Myanmar Junta Detains Four Resistance Fighters, Kills Two in Yangon Raid

By The Irrawaddy 23 August 2022

Despite the junta’s escalating crackdowns on opponents of its rule, anti-regime protesters continue to stage flash mob protests in Yangon and resistance fighters have stepped up their attacks on regime targets including junta bases, military convoys, security outposts and administrative offices.

On Aug. 9, two resistance fighters from the urban guerilla resistance group Burmese Ranger Army-Local Defense Force (BRA-LDF) were killed when around 30 junta troops raided a safe house of the group on the outskirts of Yangon. Following an exchange of gunfire, six group members were captured, and two of these were then shot dead after being detained.

There were nine resistance fighters at the safe house at the time of the raid, and three managed to escape the raid.

One of those who escaped told The Irrawaddy: “We were outnumbered and outgunned by them. Despite our defense, six of our colleagues were captured. And [among these], two injured colleagues were shot dead in the house.”

“I was also injured in my leg, but two comrades helped me run through the escape route,” he added.

Guns, ammunition and cash were also seized during the raid. There were also reports that the four resistance fighters detained by the junta later died in interrogation. The Irrawaddy could not independently verify those reports.