Commander among 13 PDF troops killed in Mandalay Region clash

A People’s Defence Force (PDF) commander was among 13 fighters killed in recent clashes in northern Mandalay Region, according to a spokesperson for the group. San Thein, the 36-year-old second-in-command of Shwebo District PDF Battalion 18, died on Monday during an operation in Thabeikkyin Township. The battalion’s spokesperson, Nay Myo Bago, confirmed the news to Myanmar Now. “We received reports that around 3am, he was killed while engaging junta troops,” Nay Myo Bago said, noting that the regime soldiers were retreating after the capture of a major base the previous day. The battalion was part of a coalition that engaged in a 20-day battle for control of Camp-500, a junta base housing nearly 400 troops. Led by the Mandalay People’s Defence Force (MDY-PDF), the battle was part of Operation Shan-Man, an offensive being fought along the border between Mandalay Region and Shan State. The fall of Camp-500 led to the capture of a significant quantity of weapons and ammunition, as well as some prisoners of war, according to an MDY-PDF statement. San Thein’s body was transported in a refrigerated coffin across the Ayeyarwady River to Sagaing Region and buried in his home village. His funeral, held on Wednesday, was attended by his family, battalion members, and resistance officers. San Thein is survived by his wife, a teacher involved in the Civil Disobedience Movement, and their two children. Before the 2021 military coup, San Thein worked as an agriculturalist. He joined the armed resistance after the junta’s takeover, initially forming a group called the Wetlet Borderless Resistance Force. This group later became Shwebo District PDF Battalion 18 under the National Unity Government. Known to his comrades as Saya San, San Thein led numerous battles and was recognised for his interpersonal skills. His loss was described as a significant blow to the force. “We’ve lost a lot. Finding someone with the right experience and mindset to fill his position is a major challenge,” Nay Myo Bago commented. In recent days, resistance forces have captured the gold-producing town of Thabeikkyin, about 80 miles north of Mandalay. They now control most areas north of the city along the eastern bank of the Ayeyarwady River. The MDY-PDF announced on August 13 that a total of 21 resistance groups are participating in Operation Shan-Man, which began on June 25. This operation includes battles in Madaya, Singu, and Thabeikkyin townships north of Mandalay, as well as Myingyan District southwest of the city. Resistance forces have suffered heavy losses during the fighting, with few bodies of fallen fighters being returned to Sagaing Region due to transportation difficulties. However, it was possible to return San Thein's body home because the PDF has recently gained control of the area, Nay Myo Bago said.

Commander among 13 PDF troops killed in Mandalay Region clash

The loss of San Thein, the second-in-command of Shwebo District PDF Battalion 18, is seen as a significant blow to the resistance

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