PLA launches assault on junta-backed militia camp in Mandalay Region

The People's Liberation Army (PLA) and allied forces launched an assault Wednesday morning on a junta-backed militia camp in Htanaungkone village, Taungtha Township, Mandalay Region, escalating clashes in central Myanmar. The junta reinforced the village with bunkers and stationed around 40 troops from both military and militia forces. Myint Naing, spokesperson for the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Northwestern Military Region, said the village, located 14 miles southwest of Taungtha Town, came under attack for more than an hour. "We managed to capture more than half of the village,” he said. “Regarding casualties on both sides, we found two enemy bodies in the bunkers we cleared. And there may also be wounded on their side too.” During the battle, the PLA forces seized weapons and ammunition, but they had to withdraw due to the junta reinforcements from Myingyan and Taungtha. Myint Naing said the anti-junta group was also preparing to encounter junta airstrikes, but noted that the PLA experienced no casualties. The village, situated between the junta-controlled Zagyan and Wealaung police stations, is a militia stronghold.Resistance forces have continued to target junta camps in Taungtha Township using various methods, while the junta has enlisted local civilians into pro-military militia groups, forcing them to engage in counter-attacks. Armed resistance is robust in Taungtha, Natogyi, and Myingyan townships on the east of the Ayeyarwady River, where the People's Defense Force (PDF) and other resistance groups regularly launch offensives on the military. Local residents reported that while the regime previously conducted ground operations in the area, they now heavily rely on warplanes and paramotors to carry out attacks.After the 2021 military coup, Myanmar's oldest political organisation, the Communist Party of Burma (CPB), reorganised its armed wing, the People's Liberation Army (PLA), and resumed its fight against the junta. “We're fighting under many different circumstances,” Myint Naing said. “While enemy movements are frequent, our activities are also numerous. Their fear of us is gradually increasing.” In a recent attack on a junta camp in Taungtha Township, the People’s Liberation Army seized weapons and ammunition, while also killing at least two regime troops (Photo: People’s Liberation Army)

PLA launches assault on junta-backed militia camp in Mandalay Region

Anti-junta resistance grows in Myanmar's Mandalay Region as the PLA launches a new attack on a junta stronghold

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