Myanmar junta intensifies assaults as it pushes into resistance stronghold in central Sagaing

A large junta force is advancing into villages along the border between Ye-U and Taze townships in central Sagaing, accompanied by intensified airstrikes, according to local resistance groups. Since the last week of September, two junta columns with a combined force of around 200 troops have been pushing into the area, which is largely under the control of anti-regime forces. On Sunday, a column of around 100 troops based in Kar Boe, a village located on the eastern side of the Mu River in neighbouring Kanbalu Township, reached the village of Aung Thar Yar in Ye-U Township, sources there said. The next day, another column of around 80 troops based in the town of Taze was seen moving south along the road to Ye-U Township, according to locals. The column reportedly set fire to houses in Ta Nei, a village along the Ye-U–Taze road, on Wednesday. The extent of the damage could not be confirmed at the time of reporting. Another nearby village, Kha Paung Kyaing, was also hit by airstrikes on the same day at around 11am, resistance sources said. Casualty figures were not available. Resistance forces have established firm control over Ye-U, Taze, and Kanbalu townships along the Mu River, where they also operate their own administrative system. However, in Kanbalu Township, where the military’s Tank Battalion 6006 is stationed, junta troops and the pro-regime Pyu Saw Htee militia also have a strong presence. Resistance sources say the military has been using its positions in Kanbalu to push further into resistance territory in a bid to secure the area ahead of elections planned for the end of the year. “They are advancing to bring as much territory under their control as possible, likely because we are entering the dry season and the elections are approaching,” a resistance fighter in Ye-U Township said. Since last week, the regime has carried out a number of deadly airstrikes in the area, including one on the village of Hpan Khar Zin that killed a 25-year-old woman on Monday, and another on the village of Kanhtuma last Friday that left at least 12 people dead. Thousands of residents from more than a dozen villages along the border between Taze and Ye-U townships border have been displaced by advancing junta forces, according to local sources.

Myanmar junta intensifies assaults as it pushes into resistance stronghold in central Sagaing

Recent attacks have centred on villages along the main road linking Taze and Ye-U townships, both largely under resistance control

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