By Ko Paing/MPA
The People’s Defense Forces (PDF) have reportedly killed more than 40 junta soldiers in an attack on a military column in Sagaing Region’s Wetlet Township. The resistance forces also seized weapons and ammunition during the operation, according to local sources.
Several PDF battalions launched a coordinated ambush on a military column of approximately 80 troops from the Shwebo-based Training Depot 8 between Hmet Hti and Min Kone villages in eastern Wetlet Township. The attack, which lasted about nine hours—from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday—reportedly left the military column nearly destroyed.
Commander Bo Kyauk Yoe of Shwebo District Battalion 15 (Eagle Guerrilla Force) told MPA, “We had intelligence on their movements since Saturday and prepared to intercept them. They spent the night at Ah Lel Kone Village, and we launched the ambush as they advanced in the morning. The fighting lasted all day. In our sector alone, over 40 junta soldiers were killed. The district command office will confirm the full casualty count and details of the captured weapons, as many PDF forces coordinated the operation.”
During the battle, the junta conducted five aerial strikes and supported their troops with howitzer fire from Shwebo. Additionally, around 30 reinforcements were deployed from Wetlet Town to aid the column.
The commander added, “Our battalion sustained no casualties, but two comrades from allied forces were killed, and two others were injured during the battle.”
The operation was a joint effort involving Shwebo District Battalions 15 and 23, Battalions 1 and 2 under District Command No. 2, and the People’s Defense Teams from Wetlet Rural Zone and Township.
MPA was unable to independently verify the reported number of fatalities among junta troops.