In Yin Mar Bin Township, Sagaing Region, a fierce battle took place between the Military Council troops and the resistance forces. According to the defense forces members, one member was killed during the conflict, and an elderly lady also perished in a fire.
According to a resident, the battle erupted since the afternoon of July 12 between the Military Council troops, comprising more than 100 soldiers, and the defense forces near Ywar Htaung village and Myay Kyet Su village in Yin Mar Bin township. The resident also reported that the Military Council troops have been conducting airstrikes in the area.
"The Military Council has been carrying out ground operations for the past 5 days. Airstrikes completely destroyed the area," said a resident.
According to residents, the ongoing situation has forced over 7,000 residents in Lay, Ywar Htaung, Myay Kyet Su, Myoe Gyi, Myauk None villages, and nearby areas to continue seeking safety by fleeing their homes. On June 13, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) made an announcement stating that over 750,000 individuals have been displaced from their homes in Sagaing Region as a result of the coup.
The resident also stated that the Military Council troops carried out airstrikes in Myauk None village, with two Mi35 helicopters hovering for a duration of three hours. These airstrikes resulted in the destruction of several houses and buildings in the village.
During the battle, the Military Council troops launched an attack using both ground and air forces, which led to the retreat of the defense forces. At approximately 5:00 p.m., the Military Council troops raided Myogyi village and set it on fire, according to a resident.
"They employed both ground and air forces, forcing the defense forces to retreat. As a result, 41 houses in Myoe Gyi village were deliberately set on fire by the ground column, causing extensive damage. They only entered Myoe Gyi village and set it on fire," he said.
Furthermore, during the incident when Myoe Gyi village was set on fire, a tragic event unfolded as an elderly local woman, unable to escape the flames, was burned to death.
According to a resistance official, following the act of burning down Myoe Gyi village, the Military Council troops retreated to their base camp in Yin Mar Bin township. However tensions remain high between the both sides, and there is a possibility that the fighting may continue in the future..
"Up until today, the military situation remains tense. They have entered the town, but it is anticipated that the fighting will continue to escalate. Given the slippery ground conditions after the rainfall, and the presence of numerous creeks, wearing canvas shoes is not feasible. It is now crucial to carry out military operations before the onset of rainy weather,” he commented.
