Photo: Ministry of Defence – National Unity Government of Myanmar
Mizzima
The NUG has issued an overview of the military actions that took place during the week of March 2024.
Below is the overview:
During the first week of March 2024, an escalation in military activity was observed in Sagaing Region and Kachin State, accompanied by increased attacks in lower Magway and townships in upper Bago Region. Additionally, the Karen Border Guard Force, formerly under the command of the Military Council, announced its decision to stand separately as a distinct entity.
In Sagaing Region, clashes between military junta columns and the People’s Defense Forces intensified, particularly in Kawlin City and nearby areas. Although the city was recaptured by the military junta, revolutionary forces are now stationed in areas surrounding Kawlin City, striving to regain control.
Furthermore, battles are ongoing in adjacent townships, exemplified by a confrontation near Ywar Thit Kone village in Taze Township. Here, the People’s Defense Forces launched an attack on a 130-strong junta column, resulting in 9 fatalities and 12 injuries among the junta’s forces. Additionally, Taze Township’s Kan Htoo Ma Police Station was seized by revolutionary forces after intercepting a junta convoy, resulting in 34 soldiers killed and the capture of weapons and ammunition.
In Magway Region’s Myaing Township, the Well-2 Oilfield Kyakap Camp witnessed a significant development as over 30 soldiers, police, and Pyu Saw Htees deserted the camp before it was stormed and destroyed by revolutionary forces. With manpower shortages evident in the military, evacuations are being conducted across the country, particularly in camps located in Kayin and Rakhine states.
Despite these challenges, the People’s Defense Forces continue to mount effective attacks, as evidenced by their
successful targeting of a junta column operating in Natmauk Township and an outpost near Dantalonpin village.
The surge in military activity across Myanmar persists as District PDF Battalion 3601 reported the deaths of 7 soldiers during an attack on the military junta in Aung Tha- pyay village, Paukkaung Township, Bago Region. Incidents of violence have also intensified in lower Magway and upper Bago townships.
In Kachin State, significant developments unfolded as the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and allied groups successfully captured the LIB (119) military camp in Hpakant Township. Continuous attacks on key military bases near the Hpakant region by the KIA signify ongoing resistance efforts. Furthermore, widespread military activities are observed throughout Kachin State, with the strategic Maji Gung camp in Mansi Township also under attack, along with several other junta military bases.
The Arakan Army made notable gains by destroying 2 armoured vehicles belonging to the junta army in Ponnagyun Township, Arakan State. With the military junta losing ground in Kachin and Rakhine states, there is a significant increase in the destruction of armored vehicles, military aircraft, and warships.
In light of these developments, the transformation of the Kayin Border Guard Force, comprising 13 battalions in Karen State, into the Karen National Army is imminent. As more border guard battalions defect from the military junta army, armed ethnic resistance groups are growing in strength and number, posing a formidable challenge to the junta’s authority.
