A junta military truck and reinforcements were attacked with remotely detonated mines by resistance forces on Wednesday in the southern state of Tanintharyi, where fighting has surged between regime forces and a stronger resistance over the past year.
At least seven junta forces were killed in the two attacks coordinated by four People’s Defense Forces (PDFs), according to resistance fighters.
The Irrawaddy could not independently verify the casualty figures.
Resistance fighters first attacked a truck from the junta’s 306th Artillery Battalion heading to Tanintharyi Town with remotely detonated land mines. The attack occurred near Kawmabyin Village on the Union Highway in Tanintharyi Township.
One junta soldier was killed, three others were seriously wounded and the truck was badly damaged, according to PDF members.
They also used remotely detonated land mines to attack junta reinforcements who arrived at the scene on foot, killing at least six of them, including a lieutenant. The body of the lieutenant was carried to Myeik Town, and other bodies were taken to Tanintharyi Town, PDF members said.
Three PDFs based in Tanintharyi Township and another from Pulaw Township jointly carried out the attacks.
Tanintharyi Region is becoming an increasingly solid resistance stronghold after about two years of escalating fighting.
Myanmar’s civilian National Unity Government’s defense ministry said on Thursday that Tanintharyi Region saw a total of 315 battles between resistance forces and junta troops between September 2021 to August 2022. The number of battles surged to 523 between September 2022 and August 2023, according to the report.
The Irrawaddy could not independently confirm the data in the report.
