During a week-long battle at Banmauk township on the Sagaing-Kachin border, approximately 40 troops, including a lieutenant from the Military Council, were killed.
The conflict arose between the joint forces of the Military Council and the combined forces of the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and the People's Defense Force (PDF).
"The battle was continuing up to May 25th.It has been more than a week since the battle started. Yesterday (May 25th) at around 9:00 p.m., the Military Council initiated an aerial bombardment. The airstrike resulted in the deaths of two civilians and caused injuries to several others, according to an official from the Banmauk People's Defense Force.They may have lost around 40 troops in this battle. We also have some casualties, but it hasn't been confirmed yet," said an official from the Banmauk Revolution (BR).
According to a member of the People's Defense Forces, the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and People's Defense Force (PDF) successfully captured a camp held by the joint forces of the Military Council and the SNA militia, during a fierce battle that took place around Kyaunglel village from May 18 to May 25.
The Banmauk Revolution (BR) reported that the remaining joint forces of the Military Council are currently stationed in Hpayartaung, located near Kyaunglel village.
The column of the Military Council, engaged in combat operations from Indaw Township faced consecutive attacks by the ABSDF on May 22 and May 23. As a result, the Indaw-Banmauk road remains tense due to ongoing military activities.
Additionally, the current situation in Banmauk Township indicates a scarcity of mobile phone top-up cards and a shortage of fuel. Local residents have reported exorbitant prices for basic commodities, such as eggs priced at 500 kyats per piece, pork at 30,000 kyats per viss, and approximately 20,000 kyats per viss for chickens.
In response to the dire conditions caused by the military's restrictions and escalating prices, the Banmauk People's Defense Force has issued a warning to the residents of the town. They have had plans to initiate an attack on the military council troops and had advised the people to evacuate for their safety.The Banmauk People's Defense Force official said, "Yes, we issued a warning in early May due to the expected escalation of these conflicts."
According to the Banmauk Revolution (BR), around 5,000 residents from Mansigyi, Manlun, Kangyikone, Kyaunglel, Narpin, and Manhtun villages in Banmauk Township have fled to safety due to intense fighting between the two sides.
According to the 2004 census, Banmauk Township has a population of approximately 200,000 residents.
In the villages located in the western part of Banmauk Township, frequent instances of residents fleeing can be observed due to the ongoing clashes between the joint forces of the Military Council and SNA, and the joint forces of the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and People's Defense Force (PDF).
In Banmauk Township, martial law has been imposed, and the phone and internet services have been cut off for nearly two years.Moreover, according to an official from the Banmauk People's Defense Force, the military situation in the area remains tense.
