Kawthaung PDF Steps Up Attacks Against SAC in Southern Burma
By Network Media Group
Wednesday, December 13, 2023
Kawthaung People’s Defense Force (PDF) ambushed a frontal unit, comprising approximately 20 soldiers from State Administration Council Light Infantry Battalion 584, in Kawthaung Township, Tanintharyi Region.
The PDF, fighting to overthrow the regime, attacked the SAC soldiers near the graveyard outside of Hpaw Thok as they returned from patrolling in Mer Ram village-tract in southern Burma.
“We clashed with them at this location before, and that’s why they stopped vehicles near Hpaw Thok. A group of soldiers entered, and we shot them at close range,” a PDF officer told NMG. He said they killed a lance corporal and a private and injured two others. The resistance group seized two MA-1 rifles. In April, the PDF killed four SAC soldiers during an ambush near the burial site.
During the recent raid, approximately 50 SAC soldiers entered the area in a truck and two private cars. Subsequently, they dispatched the 20 soldiers who were later attacked during the graveyard ambush, leading to a 20-minute shootout. PDF troops were able to retreat after the clash without any casualties. Some people reportedly cremated the dead junta soldiers in the graveyard.
Following the fighting, regime troops conducted inspections of travelers and shop owners in Hpaw Thok, releasing the latter after investigations. Soldiers were also sent to Loung Hpaw and Aye Chan to investigate, and regime drones were seen flying over the area, according to another PDF soldier’s account.
The PDF recently announced it will increase attacks against the military council in the Kawthaung area in conjunction with 1027 Operation that have seen several towns and many SAC bases captured by resistance forces across Burma.
