During a large-scale offensive with heavy weaponry along the Bago mountain range in western Bago, covering Okpho, Gyobingauk, and Zigon townships in Bago Region, junta forces killed at least four civilians, according to reports from resistance groups.
Over 100 junta soldiers have advanced into Kantni Village near the Okpo-Gyobingauk Townships border since October 23, burning down more than 37 homes, said comrade Aung Zeya from Company-4 Underground Guerrilla Force (Okpho) of Thayarwaddy District Battalion 3802.
“Villagers from Bawpintaik, Kantni, and Tanngarkone have fled. Some have been captured, and at least three civilians have reportedly been killed, although this is unconfirmed,” the source said. “That junta column continues to advance toward Gyobingauk.”
Additionally, a military column of over 100 troops entered Doenwe Village in Zigon Township on October 23, forcing residents to flee, said a local source.
“They cut off internet and phone access. The junta column is not yet in the village but in the Gyobingauk area. But, residents are too scared to return due to the risk of airstrikes,” added the source.
The two military columns of the junta joined forces in Gyobingauk Town and subsequently split into two separate units on October 24, continuing their offensive. This prompted clashes with revolutionary forces, according to Teza Min, company commander of BTZM GBK PDF, based in Bago Mountain Ranges.
“We’ve faced frequent skirmishes since October 24. We also launched landmine attacks. The military sustained significant casualties with helicopters used to evacuate their wounded, while some of our members were injured by drones. It’s not a critical situation. As they advanced with two columns, we had to split our forces to counter them. Due to the enemy’s drone strikes, we also had to withdraw from the five villages we had controlled. Some civilians were trapped in the area,” said company commander Teza Min.
The military council’s advance into the western Bago mountain range has prompted displacement warnings for at least five villages, including Yonechaung, Kwinchaung, and Uyingyi Villages in Gyobingauk Township, reported Company Commander Yoma Naga from Company-6 Black Dragon GBK PDF of Thayarwaddy District Battalion 3802.
“Some residents have already evacuated to nearby towns, and others have joined us out of fear, though some still wish to return. However, due to the military presence, there is a risk of being shot if they return. For instance, on the first day of clashes, a young man from Yonechaung was shot while passing by on his motorcycle, and three others were killed in Uyingyi Village on October 26. Among them was a mentally ill person,” Company Commander Yoma Naga explained.
Resistance groups indicate that junta forces advancing along the Bago Mountain Ranges are from the Inma-based Light Infantry Division 66 and Pyu Saw Htee militia. Despite no direct clashes as of October 27, intense clashes are imminent.
The resistance forces in Battalions 3802 and 3801 joined forces to counter the advancing junta troops accompanied by Pyu Saw Htee militia members.
A clash between resistance forces and junta troops erupted near Yaengan Village at the foothill of Bago mountain ranges in Letpadan Township on August 24, resulting in the death of 20 junta troops including a major, a captain, a police lieutenant, and two police second lieutenants with 10 others captured alive.
