Troops suffer losses and desertions in Ayeyarwaddy Region, preparations underway to move forces to Sittwe and Kyaukphyu

Junta troops deployed to the mountainous border areas of Ye Kyi and Sapaung townships in the Ayeyarwaddy Region have suffered heavy losses and are unable to return to their bases intact, leading to continuous desertions by junta troops from their bases, according to frontline sources. Ten soldiers from the Bhayagyi heavy artillery base deserted on June 27, and three more deserted on June 28. All the deserters have been apprehended and are currently detained at the Sapaung police station, from where they will be sent back to the front lines. Currently, junta troops sent to the mountainous areas near the Ye Kyi border are suffering severe casualties, with the injured returning from the front lines with amputated limbs and severe disabilities. Due to the intense fighting, bodies of the deceased cannot be recovered, and injured soldiers are being brought back to the Bhayagyi and Settaunggyi bases daily, a source said. "Fifteen people came to deliver full ammunition to the naval forces. They took 30 back. Some were taken back from Bhayagyi. The situation in Kyaukphyu and Sittwe is also critical," the source told the Ayeyarwaddy Times. The junta is also making troop rotations, and on June 28, about 300 soldiers were brought out by two ships to the Bhayagyi base. Although they were further transported by cars, it is not yet known where they were taken. However, military sources speculate that the troops may be redeployed to reinforce the Rakhine front, as Sittwe and Kyaukphyu in Rakhine State are currently facing emergency situations. On the ground, junta troops deployed in the Chaung Lya region in recent days attempted to turn north and gain control of the rear of the Ye Kyi Artillery Battalion-344, but suffered heavy losses to the point of being routed. Currently, the junta troops are desperately trying to regain control of the area around the Thita Hill Plateau and the Nagaryit mountain range near Artillery Battalion-344. Photo: Social Media This post first appeared on Ayeyarwaddy Times.