Heavy fighting broke out on the morning of May 22nd between the All Burma Students' Democratic Front (ABSDF) and the Military Council in the Mawteik village of Indaw Township in Katha District, Sagaing Region.
On May 22nd at approximately 6:00 AM, an extensive military column comprising more than 100 troops from the 88th and 77th Divisions of the Military Council set out from Indaw towards Banmauk. However, their progress was disrupted when the ABSDF intercepted the column between Mawteik and Nantthar villages, triggering a fierce and intense battle.
“Between Mawteik and Nantthar villages there is a small hamlet called Yadanakone. The Military Council's column was attacked near Yadanakone by ABSDF. The battle lasted from 6:00 AM to 7:00 AM”, a local woman told KNG.
Amidst the intense hour-long battle, the Military Council unleashed a barrage of mortar fire in a sporadic manner. However, the exact extent of casualties on both sides remains unconfirmed at this time.
"The Military Council's column, comprising over 100 soldiers, was intended to provide reinforcement to their troops in the area. They came under attack this morning, and at present, the status of the casualties remains unknown”, an official of People’s Defence Force (PDF) from Indaw said.
Following the subsiding of the battle, the military column took position in Mawteik village, making preparations to resume their march towards Banmauk, according to local witnesses.
In the vicinity of Kachin State and Sagaing Region's border, specifically in Indaw and Banmauk townships, the Military Council is escalating its airstrikes, while the ground combat continues to rage unabated with heightened intensity.
Hence, the Military Council is actively deploying air support in Banmauk while making strenuous efforts to bolster their ground forces.
As a result of the Military Council's troop deployment around Mawteik since early March, the inhabitants of nearby Nantthar, Aungkone, and Tonetaw villages have been compelled to evacuate their homes and seek refuge in the surrounding forested areas.
Following the cessation of operations by the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and PDF in Indaw since end of last year, the Military Council has enjoyed unrestricted freedom to conduct military operations and establish their presence in the villages.
However, on May 22nd, the Military Council infringed upon the territory and initiated an attempt to advance towards Banmauk, which subsequently reignited a fierce clash in the area.
