Resistance forces have reported at least six clashes with Myanmar junta troops in Wetlet Township, Sagaing Region, after large regime advances into the area this month.
The most recent battle broke out near Pa Win Tat village in eastern Wetlet Township on Thursday, a resistance member reported.
Two junta troops were killed during the clash, a People’s Servant Revolution representative said.
The Irrawaddy was unable to verify the casualty figures.
Sources said junta troops suffered a setback trying to restore damaged sections of the train line in southern Wetlet Township.
At least five sections of the Mandalay-Myitkyina train track between Pauk Kan and Thar Laing villages were destroyed by resistance forces to prevent the junta from transporting weapons and ammunition.
“We used a backhoe to destroy the track. It will take more than 10 or 15 days to repair,” a resistance member said.
Another member said junta troops advancing near the railway triggered resistance mines.
“We don’t have enough weapons and ammunition to attack junta troops at Pauk Kan,” he said.
Junta troops are also stationed at Shein Ma Kar and Han Lin villages around 10km from the track.
“At least four groups of junta infantry are active in Wetlet. They won’t leave until the train track is repaired,” a member said.
Resistance forces said they ambushed junta troops with landmines near Sa Kan Thar village on September 4, injuring at least four troops.
Around 80 junta troops from Htan Gyi village arrived at Pauk Kan railway station to repair the track on September 1.
At least 10,000 civilians were reportedly displaced in eastern and southern Wetlet by junta raids.
“We need food, shelter and medicine for the displaced people,” a volunteer said.
He said a Myin Thar villager died from a snake bite on Wednesday as the area lacks medical provisions.
Sources said five Kyun U Taw villagers and three Htan Gyi villagers were killed by junta troops in late August.
