Five members of the local defense forces tragically lost their lives during a fierce battle against the Military Council troops that had launched an attack on villages in the western part of Khin-U Township in Sagaing Division.

On April 19th, at around 8:00 AM, a100-strong Military Council column stationed at Ye-U Township Hospital, in conjunction with the Pyu-Saw-Htee militia groups from Yawthitkone located west of Khin-U, as well as Military Council troops based at Mutein Creek Bridge, launched a raid on Myakan village in Khin-U Township. This operation led to an armed conflict with the local defense forces.

"They attacked Myakan village with overwhelming force, forcing the residents to flee. In response, our defense forces engaged in a firefight with the invading troops. Tragically, during a retreat after a mine attack, our comrades were surrounded by the enemy and killed”, an official of the Khin-U Township Truth Information said.

The fallen comrades were members of the Do Nyi Naung local defense force: Ta Yote Gyee, Moe Hein, Pho Kyaw, Ko Naung, and Kyaw Naing. They ranged in age from 20 to 40 years old.

Following the battle, at approximately 6:00 PM on April 20th, the Military Council forces set fire to Aungtha village and subsequently advanced towards Shwebo Township.

"They set fire to three houses in Aungtha and also burned down a school in Kyarpinaing village. Currently, they are advancing towards Shwebo and carrying out military operations'', a local resistance fighter told KNG.

After the Military Council's column departed, they abducted a villager from Myindaung, two villagers from Myakan, and one villager from Inpa. These civilians were taken along with the Military Council troops to be used as human shields, locals said.