Captain killed in mine attack on junta troops en route to guard copper mining companies in Sagaing Region

Captain killed in mine attack on junta troops en route to guard copper mining companies in Sagaing Region

In Salingyi Township, Sagaing Region, a junta column marching to provide security for Chinese companies Wanbao and Yang Tse, involved in copper mining operations, was hit by a mine attack, killing a captain and injuring five junta soldiers and police personnel.

The junta column had been dispatched to provide security for trucks transporting sulfuric acid for copper refining at mines operated by Chinese companies in joint venture with the junta's Myanmar Economic Holdings Limited (MEHL). A trap mine, planted by resistance forces along the route of the Yinmabin-based 28th Police Battalion and junta troops, detonated at around 2:30 pm on 11 September.

"We had precise information about their planned advance, so we planted a heavy mine trap on that route ahead of time. We can confirm the enemy casualties,” said People’s Defence Force (PDF) – Yinmabin Sub-township No.2 officer Ko Sat Kyar told Mizzima.

The powerful explosion killed the junta captain instantly, and with three of the five injured in critical condition, they were urgently transported to the military hospital at the Northwestern Regional Command.

The attack was jointly carried out by PDF-Yinmabin Sub-township No. 2 and other PDF factions, including the Regional Friend Fighters, Fighter Brotherhood Guerrilla Army, Yinmarbin Local (YMB PDF), Black Eagle Defense Force, and Yinmarbin District 20th Battalion.

Mizzima was unable to independently verify the exact number of casualties among the junta troops in the mine attack.

After being hit by the mine attack, the junta column initially retreated, but when they advanced again on 12 September, residents of Kyay Sar Kya, Goan Taw, Kyay Taw, Ywar Thar, and Shwe Pay Kone villages along the highway were forced to flee in advance.

Chinese companies have faced intense opposition from local strike groups and armed resistance groups due to their involvement in copper mining with the coup junta.

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