The Shan Nationalities Army (SNA) successfully recaptured a military outpost in Kyaunglel Village, west of Banmauk Town in Sagaing Region’s Banmauk Township. The SNA, which has close ties to the junta, was recently forced to withdraw from Banmauk Town but is now mounting a counteroffensive against the resistance forces that currently control the town.

“The SNA 614 (SNA’s Brigade 614) retook the outpost in Kyaunglel Village at around 6 pm on October 14,” said a resident of Pinhinkhar Village, near Banmauk Town.

According to the SNA 614 statement, its fighters drove out KIA and PDF forces from the outpost and seized three guns, military equipment, and some medical supplies.

The SNA has also successfully recaptured hill positions held by Kadu armed groups near Kankone Village over the past few days. Moreover, fierce clashes are also ongoing around Banmauk Town on a daily basis.

The SNA is striving to retake Banmauk Town, with heavy fighting currently underway near the school run by the Progress of Border Areas and National Races Department, as well as in Settaw Village just outside the town.

“From what I’ve heard, the fighting is happening near the school, and there are also clashes around Settaw. That means it’s now really close to Banmauk,” said a town resident who fled the clashes.

Banmauk residents, who temporarily fled their homes during the fighting that saw the town captured, are keeping a close eye on the current military situation and are eager to return when it is safe.

Currently, about 2,000 residents of Banmauk are temporarily taking shelter in villages to the west and north of the town.