Sagaing Region resistance groups say they seized a pro-junta Chaung-U Township village near the headquarters of the junta’s Northwest Military Command on Thursday.
Chaung-U and Monywa People’s Defense Forces, loyal to the civilian National Unity Government, occupied Kanzee, where regime forces and Pyu Saw Htee militia allies were based to the west of Chaung-U town, after five hours of fighting.
The village 21km north of Monywa, the Sagaing capital where the junta’s Northwest Command is based, is beside another junta stronghold, the village of Kin Mon Taw.
Militias from the two villages were notorious for raiding, looting and burning villages in the township alongside junta troops.
A Monywa People’s Defense Force (PDF) member told The Irrawaddy on Friday that they had seized weapons and detained over 30 prisoners of war from the village.
“There were casualties on both sides. We have held the POWs humanely,” the PDF member said.
Junta-backed Telegram channels reported that a policeman and militia member were killed and over 30 villagers, including two militia members, were taken away by resistance groups.
The Irrawaddy could not independently verify the reports.
Resistance groups attempted to occupy the pro-junta village of Kan Gyi Kone on the east bank of the Chindwin River in Chaung-U Township in late August and early September.
The regime defended the village with airstrikes and shelling from Monywa while sending reinforcements via the river.
