Intense fighting in Myaing, 10 junta soldiers surrender, Mingyan and Thawntaw bombed from the air

AYEYARWADDY TIMES July 3 MYAING, Mandalay Region – Intense fighting broke out between the junta's forces and the People's Defence Force (PDF) coalition in Myaing Township, Mandalay Region, resulting in the capture of 10 junta soldiers and the seizure of a large quantity of weapons and ammunition, according to a statement released today by the PDF's military headquarters under the Ministry of Defence of the National Unity Government (NUG). The clash occurred between 11:20 AM and approximately 2:30 PM on July 2, when the revolutionary coalition forces ambushed a convoy of 110 junta soldiers from the 8th Police Battalion, Company 1, led by Deputy Police Commissioner Zaw Win Htain, which was advancing towards Aye Gyi Taw village in Myaing Township. During the battle, the junta forces received close air support from two Mi-35 attack helicopters. However, due to the resistance from the defence forces, two junta soldiers were killed in action, and 10 others surrendered, leading to their capture as prisoners of war. The seized weapons and ammunition included 20 assorted firearms, drones and related equipment, and various types of ammunition, according to sources. This offensive was a joint operation carried out by troops from the Mingyan District Military Command, the 2nd Battalion of the Myitthar District, the Mingyan District People's Defence Committee, the Natogyi Township People's Defence Committee, and the Myaing Township People's Defence Committee (TTA Guerrilla Force), under the command of the Mandalay Region Military Command and the Mingyan District Military Command. Following the fighting in Myaing, the military launched continuous airstrikes on villages in Natogyi and Thawntaw townships, the statement indicated. Around 5:50 PM on July 2, two Gyrocopters that took off from Nyaung Oo Air Base dropped four bombs in two sorties on Aye Pho Taw village in Natogyi Township, causing civilian casualties. The exact number of casualties is still being verified, the statement added. Furthermore, Aye Pho Taw village and Hwe Goke village in Thawntaw Township were also subjected to airstrikes.