Battles erupt in Pantown and Mathone regions, 4 injured in explosion at KPC (16) factory

Ayeyarwaddy Times July 4 It is reported that an explosion occurred on June 30 in a workshop within the KPC (16) factory, based in Mathone, Pantown Township, Bago Region West. According to internal military sources, the explosion resulted in the death of one specialist soldier from the interim government army and serious injuries to three others, who were subsequently transported to the Central Military Hospital (Taseik 1/1000). It is reported that Colonel Aung Ne Htun, the factory manager of KPC (16), is concealing information regarding the explosion, and the news agency is still investigating whether the incident was caused by an accident or by an attack from the AA and allied forces. It is reported that battles are currently ongoing in the Nyaungcho region of Pantown Township, Bago Region, led personally by Regional Commander Sein Mya Lin. Military sources state that heavy weapons have been continuously providing support fire from the artillery positions of KPC 5 and KPC 16 since June 1 during these battles. It has been confirmed by Major Zin Yaw of the CDM that the current Township Administrator of Pantown (Factory Manager of KPC 5) is Colonel Zaw Tun Oo, who previously served as a battalion commander in Rakhine State.