Fatalities were high on both sides amid violent clashes between junta forces and local armed groups in the southern villages of Kalay Township, Sagaing Region.

Attacks began with three landmine explosions after junta troops approached Tinthar, Ashe Seal and Doe Nwe on 16 July.

A member of Ranger Kalay Defend Force told Mizzima, “Junta forces headed to the villages in two columns, with 70 soldiers to Tinthar village and about 30 to Ashe Seal village. Three landmines exploded on the way of first group. We witnessed ten soldiers killed in the explosion.”

The soldiers from the other route launching heavy weapons fire and the conflict continued killing a 20-year old member of the local force.

On 17 July, junta troops entered Doe Nwe village and killed five residents.

On 18 July, junta troops in Doe Nwe village fired heave weapons into the nearby forest, causing local forces to leave the area.

“They fired over 100 heavy weapons in three days. We have no sufficient ammunition after the attack, and we withdrew our forces to lessen damages in the village,” said a member of the KPDF.

“We have enough forces, but we still need strategic leadership and more ammunition in the attacks. It is believed that such assistance could help us to kill all of them sooner or later. However, we will continue our battle with our limited resources,” he continued.