By Bala / MPA
Fierce clashes broke out in Moe Bye, a strategic town near the Shan-Karenni border, as junta forces advanced, triggering heavy resistance from local defense groups.
The junta’s Infantry Battalion 422, stationed on the outskirts of Moe Bye, has taken position at Tha Yet Chan Hill and advanced toward the western part of Moe Bye Market, sparking intense clashes with resistance forces in the last week of January, according to the Southern Shan Local Revolution Union (SSLRU).
An SSLRU information officer told MPA, “The clashes in Moe Bye were triggered by the military’s offensive. Resistance forces remain in a defensive stance.”
Despite the ongoing assault, resistance forces reportedly continue to hold control over Moe Bye and defend its outskirts by setting up ambush points.
During the clashes, a resistance fighter from the Southern Shan Revolution Youth (SSRY) Battalion 1008 was killed on Jan.23, followed by the deaths of three more fighters from SSLRU and SSRY on Monday.
“The SSRY lost a fighter in a confrontation five days ago,” the source added. “Three others were killed by a junta artillery strike while resting at the second front of the battle. Three more were injured—one SSLRU fighter suffered a fractured jaw, while an SSRY fighter remains in critical condition.”
The fallen resistance fighters have been identified as Nyan Gyi (24) from SSRY and Khant Khant (18) and Cobra (26) from SSLRU. Their funeral was held at an undisclosed location in the Karenni Region on Tuesday.
The situation in Moe Bye Township remains tense, with the military junta intensifying ground assaults, drone strikes, and artillery shelling.
