Regime Kidnaps Civilians After Facing Casualties in Sagaing Region
By Network Media Group
Wednesday, August 23, 2023
After enduring many casualties during two days of clashes with resistance forces, the Burma army retaliated by launching airstrikes and ground attacks and abducting about 50 innocent civilians in Htigyaing Township.
A local requesting anonymity said that the Arakan Army, Kachin Independence Army, and People’s Defence Force first attacked the regime column while it was climbing up Mang Kin Hill in Myauk Pyin area of Sagaing Region on 20 August. The Burma army had stayed in Thayet Chaung and Nyaung Lin Chaung villages the night before.
Another anonymous source said that clashes began at 8:20 am, lasting into the evening. “A PDF soldier and a KIA soldier got minor injuries during the fight,” he said. After two days “two jet fighters attacked the resistance groups three times. These planes came from Myitkyina. Two AA soldiers were hurt during the airstrikes but sustained only minor injuries” while no civilians were injured.
The resistance seized two assault rifles, a mortar, RPG, ammunition, and other military equipment from the Burma Army at noontime.
“Many Burma army soldiers were killed and wounded. Now they’re hiding in the jungle near Zee Kon, Kyauk Maw and Nat Inn,” he said. The residents of these villages have been forced to flee the enemy, the man explained. As for the 50 civilians kidnapped by the soldiers—including four from Kyauk Maw—he said they’re trying to collect their names.
