By Ra Wai / MPA

The People’s Defense Forces (PDF) attacked a military column in Mandalay Region’s Natogyi Township, resulting in the death of over 20 junta soldiers, including their officers, and the capture of 8 others.

A combined force of nearly 50 troops from Light Infantry Battalions 14 and 15, under Light Infantry Division 99, along with a police battalion led by Major Yan Lin Aung and Captain Aung Zaw Min, was ambushed between Mya Taung and Sein Pan Kan villages around 10:30 a.m. on Thursday.

The clash lasted three hours, during which the junta deployed air support three times using an Mi-35 helicopter, according to a report from Military Region 1.

An information officer from Myingyan District Battalion 4 and 10 told MPA, “They sent air support when the situation had already deteriorated three times. From the captured soldiers, we learned that Major Yan Lin Aung was killed, but we didn’t have time to confirm his body. The captives surrendered only when they could no longer fight.”

During the attack, 21 bodies were recovered, including that of Captain Aung Zaw Min. Major Yan Lin Aung, who had been wounded, reportedly died while retreating.
“The column collapsed, and they fled in disarray,” the source added.

“Around 15 soldiers escaped, abandoning their weapons and disguising themselves in civilian clothes. Others died from their injuries while fleeing. This is what we gathered from our scout teams.”

The PDF seized a significant cache of weapons, including three MA-1 rifles, four MA-2 rifles, six MA-3 rifles, two MA-4 rifles, one MA-5 rifle, six MA-11 rifles, twelve G-3 rifles, two G-4 rifles, one BA-94 rifle, one long-barrel rifle, and a 60mm mortar. They also recovered 29 60mm mortar shells, five artillery rounds, nine grenades, 305 rounds of 9mm ammunition, and ten helmets.

PDF fighters reportedly withdrew without sustaining any injuries.

MPA could not independently verify the number of junta casualties.