Defence forces claim they killed 15 junta soldiers and injured others when they attacked the former Immigration Office in Monywa Town, Sagaing Region, where the soldiers were stationed.

According to the Chindwin Attack Force (CAF), one of the groups involved in the attack, about 30 junta soldiers stationed in the former Immigration Office were attacked with artillery and small arms at around 11:30 a.m. on 8 March.

“There might have been more Military Council deaths than we expected. After the artillery attack, we would have been able to seize the camp as there were only a few Military Council soldiers left in the office, but then junta reinforcements arrived and we had to retreat”, said a representative of the Chindwin Attack Force.

The Chindwin Attack Force also said it was deeply saddened because it had heard that two civilians were shot by junta soldiers, following the attack and the defence forces’ retreat. Currently, there are no further details about those deaths.

It also added that it was in urgent need of weapons and ammunition to continue the fight against the junta in Monywa Town.

The defence forces involved in the attack were the Monywa District People’s Defense Force, the Chindwin Attack Force, Special Commando Force (Monywa the Boys), Monywa Night King PDF, Teacher’s PDF, Lightning PDF, Yinmarbin District Battalion (28), PDF- South Monwya, Spring Dove, Yakka Brothers and Monywa District Battalions 4 and 7.