The People's Liberation Army (PLA) resistance force is looking after 138 elephants, their mahouts (handlers) and their families who have fled from fighting in Singu Township in Mandalay Region.

21 herds of elephants, making a total of 138 elephants have been sheltering, since 10 July, in the mountains and forests of the PLA controlled areas between Mogok and  Thabeikkyin townships in Mandalay Region, according to a PLA statement.

Previously, there were already 10 herds of elephants sheltering in the PLA area, but they were joined by a further 11 herds that fled fighting in Singu Township, according to the PLA.

A PLA press officer said: “They fled due to the fighting. The herd also includes young elephants.”

Currently, PLA Battalion 222 is caring for the elephants. They will be handed over to the relevant government departments as a public asset once a new people’s democratic government has been elected to power, according to the PLA statement.

The PLA is currently engaged in coordinated operations in Mandalay Region and northern Shan State as part of the Three Brotherhood Alliance’s Operation 1027.

Currently, revolutionary forces hold the Mandalay Region townships of Thabeikkyin, Singu, Mogok, and Takaung.