Myanmar’s regime has retaken control of western Madaya Township in Mandalay Region.
More than 200 junta soldiers and Pyu Saw Htee militia allies have raided villages along the Irrawaddy River since November 17 and chemical bombs had been dropped, according to anti-regime groups.
A Pyin Oo Lwin People’s Defense Team spokesman told The Irrawaddy on Monday: “Junta forces now control most of western Madaya along the river. We withdrew as a temporary, tactical move.
“But they can’t easily attack eastern Madaya, where we are better organized.”
Junta troops have been deployed in more than three villages along the river from where they carry out raids and artillery and arson attacks on other villages. Thousands of villagers have left their homes.
The civilian National Unity Government’s defense ministry said anti-regime groups ambushed over 70 junta troops led by a major on November 17 in western Madaya, killing 12 junta soldiers and seizing nine weapons.
Former captain Zin Yaw, a military defector, said the regime responded with airstrikes and reinforcements.
“The junta has increased air and artillery strikes and sent reinforcements following the ambush. Troops from combat-support units were also involved in raids,” he said.
The Central Command in Mandalay launched the counteroffensive when resistance forces approached the border of Mandalay Township, Zin Yaw added.
Eastern Madaya is controlled by Mandalay People’s Defence Force, which announced on Monday that it would restrict travel on the Madaya-Singu-Thabeikkyin road.
A military analyst said the regime cannot yet retake eastern Madaya.
“Western Madaya is an open plain beside the Irrawaddy and is more difficult to defend. But eastern Madaya has mountain ridges and is more difficult to attack. I don’t think the regime has enough troops to attack,” he said.
Anti-regime groups seized much of northern Mandalay Region after Operation 1027 was relaunched in late June.
