By Ko Paing / MPA
The military junta is reportedly planning an offensive to retaliate in Budalin Township, where nearly the entire Kyar Bilu military column suffered significant casualties.
Since the Kyar Bilu military column, led by Major Kyaw Tint from the Light Infantry Battalion-106, faced a near-collapse after a fierce attack in Budalin Township, the junta is preparing to mobilize troops from the Northwestern Regional Military Command stationed in Monywa in collaboration with soldiers from the Tabayin Township, to launch a new offensive on Budalin, according to Sayar Zaw, the Patron and financial officer from Budalin Mobile Team-BMT.
“We heard they plan to attack the entire Budalin area, with soldiers from the Northwest Command and Budalin. We’re not too worried, even if they attempt an attack from Tabayin. Soldiers haven’t even dared to venture out of nearby Saing Pyin,” the source told MPA.
On September 30, revolutionary forces intercepted the Kyar Bilu military column of about 100 troops, returning from Kutaw Police Station in Budalin Township, near the southwest of Sipar Village. The National Unity Government’s Ministry of Defense announced on October 3 that 33 soldiers were killed and 43, including two captains, were captured after surrendering their arms.
During the clash, seven soldiers fled towards Budalin, but despite efforts to pursue them, they escaped.
“Since many soldiers surrendered, it was difficult to know where our comrades were, and we were very busy, so some managed to escape. However, we were able to demonstrate the strength of the coalition forces in this battle, especially in terms of spirit,” the source added.
During the clash, 59 assorted weapons and ammunition were reportedly captured
On October 2, around 2 PM, the junta launched an airstrike using three aircraft on Maung Htaung Village in Budalin Township, damaging a school, an assembly hall for preaching, a clinic, and injuring one civilian, according to reports.
The attack was led by the ULF column with the collaboration of Student Armed Forces (SAF), People’s Defense Force Monywa District Battalion-20, Budalin People’s Defense Team (Budalin-Pa Ka Pha), and Budalin Mobile Team as the assaulting units and Chindwin Galone Yarzar, B21 PDF, Kanni-Pa Ka Pha, Strategy 47, Chindwin Brother, Yadanar Bon Revolutionary Force, Bo San Shay, the Motherland Drone Team.
