Retreating junta column hits landmines in Chaung-U after weeklong offensive

A Myanmar military junta column of roughly 300 troops retreated from Chaung-U Township in Sagaing Region on September 3, leaving behind civilian casualties and looted villages before suffering heavy losses from landmines, according to local resistance sources. Following the junta's withdrawal, revolutionary forces entered the affected villages to conduct clearance operations. During the sweep, fighters discovered the decomposing bodies of three residents alongside dead livestock. “The bodies were already decomposing when we arrived,” a military source with the resistance forces said. “I urge residents to flee immediately as soon as they hear reports of an advancing column. Seeing civilians killed like this fills us with grief and anger. They had time to evacuate, but unfortunately stayed behind.” Mizzima is currently verifying the identities and circumstances surrounding the three deceased residents. According to resistance sources, the retreating troops heavily plundered civilian properties before hitting landmine traps laid by revolutionary forces along their withdrawal route. “On their way back after looting, they detonated landmines planted along their path,” the source added. “Casualties appear to be high, and ambulances were seen rushing back and forth in chaos.” The junta column originally launched its offensive on August 29, triggering a one-hour firefight with resistance forces on September 1. During that engagement, junta troops fired indiscriminately, killing two local civilians. The weeklong operation forced residents from roughly 10 villages across Chaung-U Township to abandon their homes. Resistance fighters have advised displaced villagers attempting to return to exercise extreme caution due to the lingering threat of unexploded ordnance and landmines left behind by regime forces.