A combined group comprising a battalion of KIA group and PDF terrorists have taken position in Shwegu Township and then, they are making some activities, such as barbaric tortures on local residents, illegal export of timber to a foreign country via Bhamo and Laiza with the use of Shwegu-Sitha-Sithaung-Inbarpar route, and the sale of arms and ammunition to PDF terrorists in Sagaing Region in addition to the plan of conducting terrorist trainings. Therefore, local residents, who feel dissatisfied terrorists’ activities such as collecting money by extortion from the nearby villages and planning to open unlawful schools run by NUG after they disturb to stop the Government’s activities for education, provided the information of afore-said activities of the terrorists to security personnel. Acting on the tip-off, security forces launched an operation phase by phase on terrorists and security tasks in the areas between 23 March and 8 April, receiving air and artillery support. As a result, security forces crushed the terrorist taking position around Manwane, Sitha, Mankham, Sithaung, Simulay, Simugyi, Tonekout, Ywathitgon and Nantlan villages following the outbreaks of 21 armed clashes between security forces and the terrorist groups.
The terrorist groups severely defended the attack of Tatmadaw military columns by building a defence strong-hold after the employment of concrete irrigation canals for agricultural works of the villages as trenches and bunkers, by building bunkers with sand bags under the Mankham village bridge, and by surrounding sand bags in the monastery’s area of Simulay village. However, as Tatmadaw military columns, with the help of fire support, bravely crushed the terrorists in harmony and in order, they gained control of the afore-said villages that are the main tracks of KIA group and PDF terrorists for arms/ammunition supply and illegal export of timber. Then, they fled in disorder to the East and set fire to the houses in the villages on their way of retreat. Therefore, security forces also put the fire out.
During the armed clashes, although some security personnel fell in battle and some were injured, security forces seized 17 dead bodies of KIA group and PDF terrorists, 17 firearms, 10 magazines, 279 bullet rounds, 12 bombs, 19 grenades, 25 anti-personal mines, explosive-related materials and medicines.
As security forces gained control of Manwane, Sitha, Mankham, Sithaung, Simulay, Simugyi, Tonekout, Ywathitgon and Nantlan villages, they could prevent the terrorists’ activities such as, illegal export of timber, supply of arms/ammunition to PDF operating in Sagaing Region and cut the route used for the dispatch of PDF terrorists in Sagaing to Laiza and illegal route connecting to Darwal in KIA Brigade (8) area.
It is reported that security personnel are beefing up security tasks for peaceful living of local people since terrorists come into some villages and conduct violence to villagers.
Source: Myawady Daily Newspaper (10-4-2023)
- Tatmadaw military columns launched an operation phase by phase on KIA group and PDF terrorist and security tasks in the villages where terrorists carry out violent acts and illegal trade, resulting in breaking out 21 armed clashes between security forces and the terrorist groups
- During the armed clashes, although some security personnel fell in battle and some were injured, security forces seized 17 dead bodies of KIA group and PDF terrorists, 17 firearms, 10 magazines, 279 bullet rounds, 12 bombs, 19 grenades, 25 anti-personal mines, explosive-related materials and medicines
- Since Tatmadaw military columns, with the help of fire support, bravely crushed the terrorists in harmony and in order, they could control the routes that KIA group and PDF terrorists use for illegal export of timber and supply of arms/ammunition.