Resistance forces have seized the district-level town of Thabeikkyin in Mandalay Region amid repeated Myanmar regime airstrikes, according to the civilian National Unity Government (NUG).
The groups, including People’s Defense Forces (PDFs) loyal to the NUG, began to attack the town on August 17.
“After gaining control of Singu, Mogoke and Thabeikkyin, the whole of Thabeikkyin district is under our control,” U Maung Maung Swe, NUG defense ministry spokesman, told The Irrawaddy.
He added that clearance operations continued around Thabeikkyin town to drive out remaining junta troops.
Thabeikkyin is on the banks of the Irrawaddy River and borders Sagaing Region. It is about 60km from Singu town, which has been under the control of Mandalay PDF since late July, and around 80km from the ruby hub of Mogoke.
A NUG’s defense ministry statement on Monday said that Thabeikkyin fell on August 19 after junta troops retreated to the Myo Oo Taung hilltop pagoda above the town, which they held until Sunday.
More than 70 bombs have been dropped on Thabeikkyin by junta fighter jets and there have been separate attacks by Y-12 aircraft and Mi-35 helicopters, the ministry added.
Resistance groups seized thousands of bullets, 42 bombs, 36 rocket-propelled grenade rounds, three jammers and one communication device, it said.
Lieutenant Colonel Soe Min Thu, the junta’s district administrative chief, was detained under international law, the ministry stated.
Four resistance fighters were killed during the assault. The Irrawaddy could not independently verify the reports.
Thabeikkyin is a transport hub connecting Mandalay and Sagaing regions with Kachin State.
An analyst said seizing Thabeikkyin is like constructing a bridge, enabling Mandalay’s resistance groups to connect with the powerful Ta’ang National Liberation Army and Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army in northern Shan State, with the Kachin Independence Army in Kachin State and groups in Sagaing Region to the west.
The analyst said it would increase pressure on junta strongholds in Pyin Oo Lwin and Mandalay city.
“Gaining control of Thabeikkyin creates another good foundation for the revolution. But the military training school in Thabeikkyin Township is still holding out. It’s a strong base and around 400 troops might be there,” he said.
Mandalay PDFs on Monday said resistance groups also seized a junta base on the Mogoke-Thabeikkyin road, commanded by Brigadier General Soe Kyaw Htike, after three weeks of fighting.
A statement said several regime troops were captured and huge amounts of weapons and ammunition were seized. Resistance fighters suffered casualties and Soe Kyaw Htike escaped with other troops, it said.
Resistance groups say all regime positions between Mogoke and Singu towns have fallen.
Most of Madaya Township in Mandalay Region has also been seized.
