Five killed on junta side in Thathon battles, two locals arrested by junta

Photo – Vehicles and houses destroyed by arson and destruction by the junta. (KNU) July 22 Mizzima. Clashes occurred between the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) allied forces and the junta's column after it entered Thathon Township, Mon State, resulting in the deaths of five members of the junta's forces, it has been learned. This column entered on July 5 and two battles took place, the KNU Central announced today (July 22). According to the announcement, in addition to the deaths, nine members of the junta's forces were injured, while no casualties were reported on the revolutionary side. The junta's column arrested and beat two men, one a driver transporting Thai goods and the other Khun Htet Oo from Tateetogone village. They have not yet been released as of today, the announcement stated. Furthermore, it is reported that the junta's forces broke into and searched civilian houses near the stupa entrance between Tateetogone village and Gyechaykutt village, looted household items, and then set fire to six houses. It is known that the junta's column consisted of over 100 combined forces from Infantry Battalion 8 under the 44th Light Infantry Division, the Pyu Saw Htee group, and Artillery Regiment 314. The announcement stated that the first battle between the junta's column and the revolutionary allied forces took place around 7:30 AM on July 5 between Tateetogone village and Gyechaykutt village, and the second battle occurred around 2:00 PM on July 6. The junta's forces, which suffered casualties in the fighting, forcibly seized goods and vehicles belonging to civilians transporting goods from Thailand, and also set fire to some of the goods and two trucks. The KNU announced that the junta's column's incursions and battles have resulted in the loss of life, homes, and property of local civilians, and the security situation in the region remains a cause for concern. Editor: Aung Kyaw Phyo