A military convoy en route to the hilltop Natyaekan tactical command base, situated along the old Ann–Padan Road in Ngape Township, Magway Region near the border with Arakan (Rakhine) State, was hit by a coordinated ambush that left multiple casualties, including officers, according to resistance sources.
The attack occurred on March 23, when forces from the Arakan Army (AA) and allied groups intercepted the convoy as it attempted to move reinforcements and ammunition toward the embattled base. The convoy had reportedly departed from the junta’s Directorate of Defence Industries 14 (Weapon Factory 14) and Artillery Battalion 905, both located in Ngaphe Township.
“On March 23, the junta moved ammunition and reinforcements using four civilian vehicles along the old road. AA and allied forces intercepted and destroyed the convoy, causing heavy casualties, including officers. A large cache of weapons and ammunition was also captured,” an AA source said.
Roughly 20 personnel, including officers, were believed to be traveling with the convoy, alongside military supplies. Resistance sources noted that the junta's repeated attempts to reinforce the Natyaekan base have failed. Due to logistical challenges, the junta has been forced to abandon standard military vehicles and rely on civilian ones instead.
Efforts to send larger reinforcements have also stalled. Two separate columns totaling more than 400 troops have reportedly been unable to reach the base due to sustained clashes and interception efforts by AA-led resistance forces.
Meanwhile, troops stationed at Natyaekan remain effectively cut off. Resistance groups have imposed a blockade around the base, trapping junta personnel inside. Though the coup regime has attempted to sustain the garrison through aerial supply drops, many provisions have failed to reach their intended recipients.
“The junta frequently airdrops supplies to troops at the Natyaekan base, but most of those supplies end up in resistance hands. The base is fully encircled, and reinforcements are effectively unable to get through,” said a source familiar with frontline conditions.
Air resupply operations have reportedly involved a mix of aircraft, including Y-12 and Y-8 transport planes, as well as recently acquired Czech-made L-410 aircraft.
The Natyaekan base has been under sustained attack since early 2025. AA and allied forces have captured most surrounding outposts, continuing to tighten their siege and maintain constant pressure on the base.
