At least five Myanmar junta soldiers were reportedly killed on Wednesday in an ambush by a combined force of resistance groups in southern Myanmar’s Tanintharyi Region.
The ambush followed a night attack on the local office for Military Security Affairs, commonly known as the military intelligence office, in Yebyu Township, Dawei District. The office was burned to the ground, according to the Dawei Guerrilla Revolutionary Force (DGRF).
Regime soldiers and pro-junta Pyu Saw Htee militia are stationed at the office, but the DGRF couldn’t confirm the number of military regime casualties.
Three military vehicles carrying around 40 soldiers on their way to reinforce the office were subsequently ambushed with mines by the Launglon People’s Defense Force (PDF) and three other resistance groups near Yebyu Bridge.
Five soldiers died on the spot and many more were injured.
“These three vehicles came from the western part of Yebyu Town to help the military security affairs office. However, two were stopped and one turned back after our mine attack,” a Launglon PDF spokesperson said.
Resistance forces urged the public to avoid police stations and the military office as they will continue to attack junta troops.
“We want to request the public to stay away from soldiers, police and their stooges, the Pyu Saw Htee. Moreover, the public shouldn’t follow military and police vehicles closely,” Launglon PDF added.
Tanintharyi Region is a stronghold of armed resistance in southern Myanmar. There have been frequent clashes between resistance fighters and junta troops in Launglon, Thayetchaung and Yebyu townships in Dawei District.