Resistance forces capture 14 POWs, seize weapons in major battle in Myanmar’s Natogyi Township

Resistance forces captured 14 prisoners of war (POWs), including two junta officers, and seized numerous weapons during a battle in Mandalay Region’s Natogyi Township on Sunday, the National Unity Government (NUG) announced Tuesday.More than 200 junta troops from Light Infantry Division (LID) 101 were attacked by joint resistance forces southwest of Kyatwinboe Village, about six miles from Wetlu Village, after departing from Wetlu Police Station in Natogyi Township, sources said.According to sources, resistance groups killed 25 junta troops and captured two officers—Major Win Hlaing Oo and Captain Aung Ko Ko—during a battle in Natogyi Township, the NUG said. "Only around 2:30pm were we able to collect the bodies and weapons, and we had to continue clearing the area until the next day," an official from Myingyan District PDF Battalions 4 and 10 told Myanmar Now.He said the battle continued from 9am to 2:30pm. After the clashes came to an end, the resistance forces seized 44 guns, over 10,000 rounds of ammunition, and various explosives.Warplanes from Meiktila and Tada-U air bases provided air support twice during the clash, which resulted in the deaths of two resistance fighters.The battle involved fighters from the People's Defense Force (PDF) Myingyan District Battalions 4 and 10, the Natogyi Township People's Defense Organization (PDO), and allied resistance groups, according to sources. Shortly after the skirmish, photos released by PDF forces on social media showed the bodies of at least 17 slain junta troops. Images of dead junta troops were released shortly after a recent clash in Natogyi Township. (Photo: Soe Aung) The junta column had been moving through northern Natogyi Township since early March. On March 8, they raided Kanu Village after departing from Wetlu Village. The next day, resistance forces intercepted the column aftering laying down a minefield where the junta group was exiting the village."The minefield area was extensive, and when they entered directly into it, they became disorganized and seemingly lost command and control," a local source close to the PDF resistance group told Myanmar Now.While there have been no ground operations in the southern part of Natogyi Township—where resistance forces are strong—the junta has frequently rolled out aerial reconnaissance missions and artillery shelling from their Light Infantry Battalion 15 (LIB) base near Myingyan Township.A local woman, who requested anonymity, told Myanmar Now that junta aircraft have been seen constantly conducting surveillance, occasionally flying at low altitudes in the Natogyi area.“Yesterday, I don't know if it was a training flight or reconnaissance. It didn't look like it was carrying bombs,” she said, referring to junta aircraft. "There were no bombs on the wings. The wings were flat and wide like a shark, flying very low, clearly visible."On January 30, resistance troops ambushed a junta column leaving Pyinsi Village in Natogyi Township, resulting in the capture of eight POWs and the seizure of 39 weapons.On February 24, the junta issued a statement regarding operations in Natogyi Township, dismissing reports that two civilians were injured in an airstrike on Manlel Village. A junta officer claimed the injured individuals were resistance members, not civilians.The constant presence of junta aircraft is producing a palpable sense of anxiety among the civilians across villages in Natogyi Township, sources say. And although the community is becoming more familiar with the sounds of warplanes, the fear that comes in their wake never truly subsides."Fighter jets are almost always circling,” the local woman said. ”One circled very low over the village, so we had to be careful.” Three junta soldiers attempting to surrender during the battle in Natogyi Township. (Screenshot from Natogyi PDF video)

Resistance forces capture 14 POWs, seize weapons in major battle in Myanmar’s Natogyi Township

The NUG reports a significant victory for resistance groups, with air support from junta warplanes failing to prevent the capture of two military officers

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